Lets face it: If ever there was a time to embrace activism - it has to be now. After a summer of violence and division across the UK - and as we seemingly head blindly towards conflict on a global scale - standing up for 'what's right' has never been more urgent.
Thankfully a creative Manchester collaboration this autumn is set to give those of us not quite ready to throw a Molotov cocktail - or glue ourselves to a road - an insight into the power and importance of strike action.
The People’s History Museum (PHM) is about to strike a chord with visitors by illuminating some of the stories that are shared in its galleries and collections about industrial action. Our National Museum of Democracy has teamed up with Pendle's very own Rickard Sisters - the amazing duo that create must-have graphic novels - with a message - and activist inspired artwork (Sophie is responsible for the brilliant words - and it's Scarlett who creates the stunning pictures.).
Time to Strike, opens tomorrow (Wednesday October 2, 2024) in Spinningfields - and is described as a playful take on the theme of striking. Look out for Bee Buses across the Greater Manchester network this autumn as another aspect of the Sister's link-up with PHM - is a Bee Network creative campaign with Transport for Greater Manchester, encouraging those living and working in the region to stand up and visit the museum during the autumn months (although hopefully you won't have to stand up on the bus to get there).
The exhibition looks at Strikes result ing from collective action that stands up for rights and encourages progress - and this theme is explored throughout the galleries at PHM, where a sign quoting the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights reads, ‘Everyone who works has a right to join together to defend their interests.’ The Dock Labourers’ Strike (1889), Red Scar Mill Strike (1965) and Miners’ Strike (1984-1985) are some of those explored and there is even the chance to cross the interactive picket line. Up the Workers!
For younger visitors already displaying the 'protest gene' the Match Girls’ Strike (1888) is especially fascinating, because 150 years ago they may have found themselves facing a similar situation on the Bryant & May production line. The story told includes an interactive digital arcade-style game, where visitors discover how workers, who were mainly young girls under the age of 15, took a stand for their rights. The strike action was sparked when it was reported that dividends of 20% were being paid to shareholders whilst workers were on ‘starvation wages’ – this was the final straw for the match girls who were already taking the risk of working with dangerous chemicals that could cause a cancer known as ‘phossy jaw.’ Social reformer Annie Besant wrote about the conditions and following the sacking of one of the factory girls, 1,400 walked out on strike. Play the game, explore the ‘Life in a Box’ activity and follow the trail of the match girls and others on the Radical women trail (£1.50 from the PHM welcome desk).
Giving a glimpse into history through AR technology that will also appeal to younger visitors is the Grunwick strike (1976-1978) section of the galleries. This was not only about working conditions, but the institutional racism and inequality being shown towards migrant workers at the film processing factory in London. Factory worker Jayaben Desai, who famously said “A person like me, I am never scared of anybody”, took a central role in a dispute that would ultimately garner support of workers nationally on a scale never seen before in the British labour movement. This was achieved largely because of the inspirational role of Jayaben herself, who you can find out about through 3D scans of objects and archive materials, footage and an interview. Jayaben is also a part of the Radical women trail.
The stories of how ordinary people have done extraordinary things on behalf of others is amplified through the work of the Rickard Sisters, Scarlett and Sophie, who have produced an exclusive range of artwork for PHM – one of the only UK stockists of the artists’ tea towels and mugs. The range includes portrait postcards of Annie Besant, Jayaben Desai and other inspirational individuals.
Time To Strike at People’s History Museum is a free exhibition, with visitors who are able, typically donating £10 to support this vitally important - and fantastic - space.
Opening hours are 10.00am to 5.00pm, every day except Tuesdays. Open Kitchen Cafe & Bar also opens every day except Tuesdays, from 10.00am to 4.00pm.
To find out about visiting PHM, its full exhibitions and events programme CLICK HERE
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To find out more about the work of the Rickard Sisters CLICK HERE
All images courtesy Peoples History Museum
