"banner, Amalgamated Society of Engineers, Machinists, Millwrights, Smiths and Pattern Makers, Manchester District." [NBS I/D 129]

Catalogue Number
NBS I/D 129

Object Name
banner

Title
MANCHESTER DISTRICT- BE UNITED AND INDUSTRIOUS - AMALGAMATED SOCIETY OF ENGINEERS, MACHINISTS, MILLWRIGHTS, SMITHS AND PATTERN MAKERS.

Place
Manchester & Lancashire & England & UK

People
Sharples, James; artisans; craftsmen; workers: engineers, machinists, millwrights, smiths, patternmakers

Date
c.1910?

Creator(s)
NBS National Museum of Labour HistoryNBS National Museum of Labour History

Description
Several engineering unions combined to form the Amalgamated Society Of Engineers (ASE) in 1851. The main aim of the ASE was to maintain a secure union. Other aims were to abolish systematic overtime and get rid of piecework.

The ASE took a leading role in setting up the General Federation Of Trade Unions in 1899. The major reason for doing this was to set up a national organisation with a strike fund that could be drawn on in times of need. The ASE also campaigned for all engineering unions to combine, which led to the formation of the Amalgamated Engineering Union (AEU) in 1920.

The emblem of the ASE, shown on this banner, was designed in 1852 by forge smith and proud union member, James Sharples. The reverse side shows James Sharples' celebrated engraving 'The Forge'.

Conserved in the museum's Textile Conservation Studio.

Materials: Single layer of silk fabric with oil-based, hand-painted images on each side.

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