People’s History Museum (PHM) is striking a chord with visitors by illuminating some of the stories that are shared in its galleries and collections about strikes. This comes as the national museum of democracy celebrates a creative partnership, Time to Strike, with the Rickard Sisters who are renowned for their graphic novels and activist inspired artwork.
Strikes that result from collective action that stands up for rights and encourages progress are explored throughout the galleries at PHM, where a sign quoting the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights reads, ‘Everyone who works has a right to join together to defend their interests.’ The Dock Labourers’ Strike (1889), Red Scar Mill Strike (1965) and Miners’ Strike (1984-1985) are some of those explored and there is even the chance to cross the interactive picket line!
For younger visitors the Match Girls’ Strike (1888) is especially fascinating, because 150 years ago they may have found themselves facing a similar situation on the Bryant & May production line. The story told includes an interactive digital arcade style game, where visitors discover how workers, who were mainly young girls under the age of 15, took a stand for their rights. The strike action was sparked when it was reported that dividends of 20% were being paid to shareholders whilst workers were on ‘starvation wages’ – this was the final straw for the match girls who were already taking the risk of working with dangerous chemicals that could cause a cancer known as ‘phossy jaw.’ Social reformer Annie Besant wrote about the conditions and following the sacking of one of the factory girls, 1,400 walked out on strike. Play the game, explore the ‘Life in a Box’ activity and follow the trail of the match girls and others on the Radical women trail (£1.50 from the welcome desk).
Giving a glimpse into history through AR technology that will also appeal to younger visitors is the Grunwick strike (1976-1978) section of the galleries. This was not only about working conditions, but the institutional racism and inequality being shown towards migrant workers at the film processing factory in London. Factory worker Jayaben Desai, who famously said “A person like me, I am never scared of anybody”, took a central role in a dispute that would ultimately garner support of workers nationally on a scale never seen before in the British labour movement. This was achieved largely because of the inspirational role of Jayaben herself, who you can find out about through 3D scans of objects and archive materials, footage and an interview. Jayaben is also a part of the Radical women trail (£1.50 from the welcome desk).
The stories of how ordinary people have done extraordinary things on behalf of others is amplified through the work of the Rickard Sisters, Scarlett and Sophie, who have produced an exclusive range of artwork for PHM – one of the only UK stockists of the artists’ tea towels and mugs. The range includes portrait postcards of Annie Besant, Jayaben Desai and other inspirational individuals. The latest collection, Time to Strike, will launch on 2 October 2024 as a playful take on the theme of striking that will be carried on decorative match boxes, with more to follow. You’ll also see the artwork on buses throughout Greater Manchester’s Bee Network in a creative campaign with Transport for Greater Manchester, encouraging those living and working in the region to visit PHM during the autumn months.
People’s History Museum’s opening hours are 10.00am to 5.00pm, every day except Tuesdays. Open Kitchen Cafe & Bar also opens every day except Tuesdays, from 10.00am to 4.00pm. Museum entry is free, with most visitors donating £10. To find out about visiting PHM, its full exhibitions and events programme visit phm.org.uk and you can keep up to date with the latest news by signing up to receive PHM’s e-newsletter. To find out more about the work of the Rickard Sisters visit rickardsisters.com.
ENDS
For further information, to arrange a visit or interview please contact Fido PR:
laura.sullivan@fidopr.co.uk / clare.short@fidopr.co.uk
Notes to editors:
About People’s History Museum
People’s History Museum (PHM) in Manchester is the UK’s national museum of democracy, telling the story of its development in Britain: past, present, and future. Through an eclectic and colourful mix of historic and contemporary collections, featuring banners, badges, posters, photography and more, the museum celebrates the radical stories of people coming together to champion ideas worth fighting for.
Offering an engaging programme of exhibitions and events, collaborating with communities to create authentic content, the museum is Family Friendly throughout – inspiring the next generation to be active citizens.
People’s History Museum encourages visitors to be empowered by the past to make a change for the future. We are all together in the fight for a fairer world.
About Arts Council England (ACE)
PHM is an Arts Council England (ACE) National Portfolio Organisation (NPO). The work of PHM is supported using public funding by ACE, the national development agency for creativity and culture. ACE have set out their strategic vision in Let’s Create that by 2030 they want England to be a country in which the creativity of each of us is valued and given the chance to flourish and where every one of us has access to a remarkable range of high quality cultural experiences. From 2023 to 2026 they will invest over £467 million of public money from government and an estimated £250 million from The National Lottery each year to help support the sector and to deliver this vision.
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