"Labour Party Poplar branch banner" [NMLH.1993.620]

Catalogue Number
NMLH.1993.620

Object Name
Banner

Title
'Poplar Labour Party'

Place
Poplar, London, UK

People
Labour Party

Description
This simple banner bears an early Labour Party logo which combines a flaming torch, signifying education, a quill to symbolise learning and a shovel representing the workers. The design was the result of a competition created when labour supporters were invited to send in their proposed designs. The logo was used until 1983.

Poplar in East London holds an important place in the history of the Labour movement, as the location of the Poplar rates dispute of 1921. After World War I the population suffered high unemployment and destitution. Its unemployed relied on borough poor-relief. As a poor borough, its councillors made a stand against payment of a services rate of £270,000 to London County Council. They were jailed for contempt of court, the women going to Holloway and the men to Brixton prison. George Lansbury, Poplar's Mayor, and later labour leader was amongst those imprisoned.