Working Class Movement Library Collection

A range of photographs digitised from the collections of the Working Class Movement Library in Salford.

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. There are a number of images for example 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.

Explore the Collection

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.

Archive image: A black and white photo shows a Communist Party march through Manchester in the 1960s.

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.