Join us for an evening at the Working Class Movement Library where together we will explore the archive, learn about local history and and unearth unique inspiration for your projects.
The event will include a tour of the library, with further information on how and why the library was founded. The Library manager will also bring out highlights from the library and archive collection for a closer look. The tour will allow you to explore the first and second floors of the library, which are usually closed to the public. You will then have the opportunity to get hands-on with the archive as imagery and other materials will be assorted across tables with prompts from the facilitator on how to engage with this kind material. There will be conversations on how to identify the origins of a photograph, as well as good handling practice of archive imagery.
Uncover the history behind each photograph as we chat about their origins and significance. There will be lots of opportunity to ask questions as the Library Manager will be on hand to answer those for you, or to get involved in conversations about archives and collections.
We would like to ask you to outline any interests, such as a movement or time period or historical event, so that the library can take this out of the archive and have it prepared for the evening to view.
Get your ticket here via eventbrite!
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About the Working Class Movement Library
Working people have always struggled to get their voices heard. The Working Class Movement Library is a treasure trove with records of over 200 years of organising and campaigning by ordinary men and women.
Our collection captures many points of view to tell the story of Britain's working classes from the beginning of industrialisation to the present day. Our oldest items date from the 1760s. From the 1820s we have some of the earliest trade union documents to have survived.
We have artefacts about the Peterloo massacre of 1819 as well as fascinating insights into the lives of the Suffragettes. We have moving accounts of life on the front line in the Spanish Civil War as well as the real life stories of tradesmen and women struggling to make ends meet. We have material on politics of all shades and come up to date with the archive of Jim Allen, the Manchester-born screenwriter who worked on Coronation Street and collaborated with film director Ken Loach.
We’re a living collection, growing all the time with fascinating donations from campaigners, activist groups and unions.
Find out more about the library here.
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Who is it for?
This event is free and open to all. It will be a brilliant opportunity to find some inspiration for your person photography projects as well as learn about local histories through the archive and collections.
When?
7pm - 9pm on Tuesday the 17th of October, 2023.
Where?
Working Class Movement Library
51 Crescent, Salford, M5 4WX
There is parking on site and near the area – more travel and access information will be available after booking.
Tickets
Please register for free here to confirm your place with us on the day.
We aim to make our events free or as low cost as possible so that everyone, regardless of their means can join us. We also want to build on our activities and the more we raise, the more we can do to support the photography sector.