Made by Labour: A Material and Visual History of British Labour

Nick Mansfield brings us a new talk, based around his 2023 book Made By Labour, that tells the story of the British labour movement from an unusual viewpoint.

The book is described as “the first full-length study of the material and visual culture of the British labour movement in almost half a century. It draws together the fruits of recent research into a comprehensive material and visual analysis of the nineteenth-century labour movement’s development. It analyses the meaning of ‘labour things’, the role they played in the lives of working people and the ways they have influenced the writing of labour history. Over ninety beautifully illustrated, expertly contextualised objects are used to narrate the history of British labour in its most crucial phase of development. Chapters on curation and preservation, a directory of museums where labour things may be seen, and a full bibliography complete the treatment of this important and rapidly developing field, making the book not just essential academic reading but a handbook for anyone who wishes to explore this vital part of our shared culture.”

Made by Labour: A Material and Visual History of British Labour, c. 1780-1924, co-authored with Martin Wright, is published by University of Wales Press, 2023.

Nick Mansfield was born and brought up in Sturton Street in the 1950s. He is now Emeritus Professor of History at the University of Central Lancashire in Preston and has worked in museums for 30 years, latterly as Director of the People’s History Museum in Manchester. His previous talks for Mill Road History Society were Buildings of the Labour Movement and Objects from 22 Ainsworth St – the working class world of the Crouch family.

This talk takes place at Ross Street Community Centre and is open to all, admission £3. Doors open 7pm, the talk will start at 7:30pm, tea and biscuits provided. Fully accessible venue.