Josephine Butler

Words and handkerchief by The Keeper

Dubbed the ‘shrieking sisterhood’, The Ladies National Association for the Repeal of the Contagious Diseases Acts was formed in 1869 with Josephine Butler as secretary. The LNA fought fiercely against the forced ‘examination’ of women under the Contagious Diseases Act. Starting in 1864, the Act allowed plain-clothed policemen to arrest any woman suspected of being a prostitute in England’s garrison towns and ports. These women were taken off the streets and internally examined with a metal vaginal speculum, or else faced a prison sentence. Any working-class woman could be suspected of prostitution, many were subject to this barbaric act.

‘I was flung about from man to man. Men police lay hands on us. By men we are examined, handled, doctored’ – A contemporary account

The Acts were finally overturned in 1886, in no small part thanks to these valiant sisters. A tireless activist, Josephine Butler contested the persecution of women selling sex but not those buying it. She fought to protect her sisters’ right to bodily autonomy, a right we need to protect across the globe. It’s vital we take inspiration from Josephine and her shrieking sisters, and make some noise.

This artwork is part of The Wall of Sexual Heroes, a collaborative textile art piece featured in our previous exhibition at the Horse Hospital (2022) and Bow Arts Lab (2023). All embroidered, printed and appliquėd handkerchiefs celebrate unsung heroes of sexual emancipation, activism and innovation.

The Wall is an organic work. If you would like to contribute, please get in touch with The Keeper. 


More tales of Sexual Heroes>