Catalogue Number
NBS I/D 350
Object Name
banner
Title
THE OPERATIVE GRAIN MILLERS
Place
UK
Creator(s)
NBS National Museum of Labour HistoryNBS National Museum of Labour History
Description
The Operative Grain Millers banner, date unknown
Very little is known about this banner as no clear reference to the Operative Grain Millers can be found.
The history of the milling trade is often difficult to trace. Before industrialisation milling was typically a family labour and millers were dispersed around the countryside. This made joining together to form unions difficult. However, the Amalgamated Millers Trade Society was formed in 1853 and several other millers organisations existed by 1890.
The closest reference we can find to the Operative Grain Millers is the Operative Millers Friendly Society based in Liverpool. In 1867 it claimed to have 25 lodges around the country with a total of 361 members.
This is the first time this banner has been on display at the museum.
Materials: Ground of cream wool bunting horizontally sewn together by machine. Fringe of royal blue wool. The text is painted onto the ground in purple.
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