Edith Garrud’s Personal Carved Bakelite Rose Brooch
Direct Garrud Family Provenance
£495
A rare and intensely personal object belonging to Edith Margaret Garrud (1872–1971), the pioneering British jujutsu instructor, suffragette and remarkable woman who taught self-defence to members of the women’s suffrage movement.
This beautiful carved Bakelite rose brooch comes from a substantial archive of Garrud family material acquired by Auntie’s Treasures directly from Edith Garrud’s granddaughter, with signed provenance and supporting family correspondence confirming the collection’s descent.
Measuring approximately 4 cm in diameter, the brooch is formed from deep reddish-brown Bakelite and carved in high relief as a rose. Layers of deeply worked and overlapping petals create a wonderfully sculptural flower. The angular detailing around the petals forms part of the original carved design and is not damage.
The material has been tested as Bakelite, and the reverse retains its period metal pin fitting.
Edith Garrud
Edith Garrud occupies an extraordinary position in both the history of British martial arts and the campaign for women’s suffrage.
Together with her husband, William Garrud, she became one of the pioneers of jujutsu instruction in Britain. The couple operated Garrud’s Jujutsu Institute in London, and Edith became particularly renowned for teaching jujutsu and self-defence to women involved in the suffrage movement.
She is perhaps most famously associated with the Women’s Social and Political Union and the training of members of its Bodyguard — women who used their knowledge of jujutsu and self-defence while protecting leading figures within the militant suffrage movement.
Against that remarkable history, this small rose brooch offers something quite different: a glimpse of Edith Garrud the woman rather than simply Edith Garrud the historical figure.
Provenance
Edith Garrud (1872–1971)
By descent through the Garrud family
Acquired directly from Edith Garrud’s granddaughter by Auntie’s Treasures
This brooch forms part of a substantial Garrud family archive, preserved within the family and containing personal, photographic, documentary and martial-arts material relating to Edith and William Garrud and subsequent generations.
Signed provenance and supporting family correspondence confirming the descent of the collection are held by Auntie’s Treasures.
Details
Date: Early/mid-20th century
Material: Tested Bakelite
Colour: Deep reddish-brown
Design: Deeply carved rose
Diameter: Approximately 4 cm
Condition: Good vintage condition. The angular edges of the petals are part of the original carved design.
£495
An unusual opportunity to acquire an intimate personal possession of Edith Garrud, with direct family provenance, and a tangible connection to one of the most fascinating women in the history of British jujutsu and the women’s suffrage movement.
