Working Class Movement Library Collection
A range of photographs and posters digitised from the collections of the Working Class Movement Library in Salford.
Photographs
The photographs date from circa 1910 to 1980 and cover a variety of themes. A strength of the collection are photographs relating to the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) which depict fighters and volunteer nurses on the Aragon Front, interns at a Republican Camp in Chorley and paintings and books saved from the Palace of Liria.
Also in the collection are photographs of various Communist Party meetings and demonstrations, many of which are in the Manchester area. For example, there are a number of images of the Manchester Communist Party Centenary Pageant and Sports Gala in 1938. Aside from showing members of the party taking part in various sports, this set of images are interesting for their depictions of various marching banners that were paraded by groups at the event on the themes of unemployment and trade to Manchester.
Neck and neck
Runners compete at the Manchester Communist Party Centenary Pageant and Sports Gala, 18th June 1937.
Demonstration
Manchester Region Communist Party & CND demonstration, 1960.
Spanish Civil War - Republican Camp, Chorley, 1936-1939
Spanish Republicans interned at a prisoner of war camp in Chorley.
Women appear in the photographs throughout the collection, including five images of women workers during the First World War 1914-1918. These photographs give a sense of the sorts of work carried out by women during the war effort. Women also feature in a small number of photographs of various anti-war demonstrations which is indicative of their role in these movements.
There are six photographs relating to the Clarion movement, which was based around the socialist newspaper The Clarion. The newspaper was set up in 1891 by Robert Blatchford following his resignation from the Manchester Evening Chronicle. A various groups and clubs formed around the movement, including the Clarion Cycling Club. The photographs in this collection depict Clarion vans, and the interior of the Clarion Café on Market Street in Manchester.
Posters
A selection of posters digitised from the collections of the Working-Class Movement Library.
This sub-collection features posters dating from the 1940s to the early 2000s, with a focus on working class history and activism on a national level. It also includes posters of local significance, such is the Salford May Day Gala of 1978.
Documenting the people’s cries for political amendments throughout the years, the posters include examples related to key movements such as the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND), the Anti-Apartheid movement, the miners’ strikes, and various peace and women’s rights movements.
Several posters also represent cultural events where concerts served as platforms for protest, such as the Glastonbury Festival of 1982, which is in support of the CND.
Together, these posters provide a visualisation of the culture of protest and the role collective action plays in shaping political discourse.
How can it be used?
These images give an insight into working class cultures in the 20th century and women's participation in politics and work. This collection provides a taste of the broad spectrum of the subject matter represented in the collections of the Working Class Movement Library.
Who might be interested?
Students and researchers of social, political and cultural history and sociology.
Types of material
Photographic images.
Related material
Working Class Movement Library