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National Trust sparks sexism row over launch of tea towels to mark 100 years of women's suffrage

Sexism row: The tea towel has sparked a row: National Trust
Sexism row: The tea towel has sparked a row: National Trust

A row has erupted after the National Trust was branded sexist for selling a tea towel to mark 100 years of women's suffrage.

The £8 purple tea towel is covered in slogans related to women's rights, such as Deeds not Words, and is being sold as part of the National Trust’s Women and Power series.

An image of the item was tweeted by Harriet Line alongside the caption: “I think the irony is lost on the @nationaltrust.”

The National Trust defended the tea towel, saying: “As far as we’re aware both man and women do the washing up.”

Claire Goldenberg responded to the tweet by saying: "I’m assuming no woman was consulted in this celebration of women’s empowerment."

Daniel Draper said: "National trust: hey women, get back to the kitchen.”

“Oh Dear – @nationaltrust another reason to justify my not renewing my membership. You need to join the 21st century,” Ann Holman added.

Others suggested alternative items for the collection, including a “get in the kitchen, love” apron, while another wondered “is there a matching ironing board cover I wonder?”

But some people were quick to leap to the National Trust's defence.

"I think this is a case of sexism being in the eye of the beholder not the @nationaltrust," Dylan Bantoft said.

Karen Bateup added: "I have no problem being a woman and buying a tea towel with this on it, I have far more important things to worry about than this, seriously it's a tea towel, if you don't like it then don't buy it."

A National Trust spokesman said: “These tea towels weren’t aimed at either of the sexes in isolation - as far as we’re aware both men and women do the washing up.

“We often bring out souvenir items to tie in with special events and exhibitions. Perhaps one shopper put it best by telling us: ‘I think they'd be a great present for the man in your life. He can think about the message while he dries the dishes!’”