
DAVISON (EMILY WILDING) Fine photograph of the moment when Emily Wilding Davison was struck by the King's horse on Derby Day, 1913, printed 1920s
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DAVISON (EMILY WILDING)
Footnotes
The present photograph is probably one of the most well-known images of the moments after Emily Wilding Davison stepped out in front of the King's horse Amner as he rounded Tattenham Corner at the Epsom Derby on 4 June 1913. It is a different viewpoint from the British Pathé footage shown in cinemas, and cropped versions of this image were widely published on the front pages of newspapers. Her unconscious body is clearly seen in motion falling to the ground, as is her hat which is still rolling towards the photographer - most of the spectators still remain oblivious to the chaos in front of them and are looking up the course to follow the race. Whether the action was a deliberate act of martyrdom or a terrible misjudgement is the subject of much debate and the coroner delivered a verdict of misadventure. The jockey Herbert Jones was seriously injured and received a telegram from the King. Amner was unhurt. Davison was taken to Epsom Cottage Hospital and died four days later (see adjacent lot).