Catalogue Number
NMLH.1996.51
Object Name
Banner
Title
COURT SWETTENHAM ARMS. NO. 1365. A.O.F.
Place
Stockport & Cheshire; Clywdd & Wales & Swettenham
Date
About 1890
Description
Lable text 2011-12
Court of Swettenham of the Stockport, Cheshire, Clwyd District Ancient Order of Foresters, Stockport Courts banner, about 1890s
The Ancient Order of Foresters was one of the many friendly societies which were important in the lives of working class people. They offered members saving schemes and insurance for sickness and old age. The welfare state later took over some of their functions and their popularity dipped, though many still survive today, including the Foresters Friendly Society.
This banner is believed to have been carried in Foresters' parades in the late 19th century, and was last seen carried in public in the early 1950s. Although the images such as a bundle of sticks, the all-seeing eye and the hand of friendship, are familiar from trade union banners, the organisation had no connection with the trade union movement.
This banner was made by banner makers George Tutill, London.
Materials: Banner of a single layer jacquard woven silk in crimson and pale green, with oil-based medium hand painted images on each side.
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