People's History Museum

People's History Museum Explore past, present & future at PHM, the UK's national museum of democracy.
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People's History Museum provides opportunities for all people to learn about, be inspired by and get involved in ideas worth fighting for; ideas such as equality, social justice, co-operation, and a fair world for all.

Wear one of PHM’s ten treasures! To celebrate the 115th birthday of the Manchester suffragette banner, we’ve created an ...
23/06/2023

Wear one of PHM’s ten treasures! To celebrate the 115th birthday of the Manchester suffragette banner, we’ve created an exclusive collection in collaboration with Clavis & Claustra.

Available now in the museum and online shop: https://shop.phm.org.uk/collections/radical-women

Image: A collection of items inspired by the purple and gold of the Manchester suffragette banner: a t-shirt, a pin badge, tea towels and two books.

21/06/2023

Happy birthday to this stunning piece of feminist history! 🎂 The Manchester suffragette banner was first unfurled 115 years ago, in June 1908, thus immortalising Manchester as the starting point of the suffragette movement. From today, the banner is on display at PHM until 7 Jan 2024 💜

Watch PHM’s Conservators carefully install the banner ready for display.

Want to help us preserve more history like this? In celebration of the banner, we are holding a fundraising evening on Thursday 6 July with conversation, tours, creativity, a raffle and more. Book tickets: https://phm.org.uk/events_new/manchester-first-in-the-fight/

The Typographical Association formed in 1849 to represent those involved in printing trades. One side of the banner show...
09/06/2023

The Typographical Association formed in 1849 to represent those involved in printing trades. One side of the banner shows William Caxton, who is believed to have first introduced the printing press to England, examining a printed page with his apprentices. On the other side are two seated women who represent Knowledge and the Messenger.

📸 The Typographical Association Preston Branch banner, around 1870s

Hear more of the stories behind the banners on our next 2023 Banner Exhibition guided tour on Saturday 17 June. Book tickets: https://phm.org.uk/events_new/2023-banner-exhibition-guided-tours/sat-17-june-2023-11-00am-12-00pm/?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=Post&utm_campaign=Main+Gallery+tours+

Image description: A black banner with stars and pink text. Front says 'The Typographical Association Preston Branch' and shows two women representing knowledge and the messenger. Reverse says 'Knowledge is power. Letterpress printers' and shows four men holding printed pages.

With expert knowledge in women’s rights spanning different countries and centuries: three radical speakers in conversati...
07/06/2023

With expert knowledge in women’s rights spanning different countries and centuries: three radical speakers in conversation about Manchester’s activism since the suffragette movement.

Announcing the speakers for Manchester: First in the Fight on Thursday 6 July:

Curator and historian Helen Antrobus, author of First in the Fight: 20 Women who Made Manchester

Afghan judge and campaigner Marzia Babakarkhail, who fled to the UK in 2008 as a refugee after being targeted by the Taliban

Author and activist Helen Pankhurst, great-granddaughter of Emmeline Pankhurst

Book tickets for this museum fundraiser: https://phm.org.uk/events_new/manchester-first-in-the-fight/

A story of 16 women, a quilt, and a legacy in the history of strikes. This quilt was made 150 years ago by Martha Smith,...
19/05/2023

A story of 16 women, a quilt, and a legacy in the history of strikes.

This quilt was made 150 years ago by Martha Smith, one of 16 women arrested in Oxfordshire in 1873, for trying to prevent two strikebreaking farm labourers from working in place of striking agricultural workers.

After a trial, the Ascott Martyrs were convicted and imprisoned with hard labour. The outrage in farming communities was such that large protests were held and Queen Victoria herself granted the women a free pardon. The women’s actions saw picketing made legal in 1874.


Learn more about the Ascott Martyrs and other groundbreaking moments of protest at the next guided tour of PHM’s 2023 Banner Exhibition.

Saturday 17 June, 11.00am: https://phm.org.uk/events_new/2023-banner-exhibition-guided-tours/sat-17-june-2023-11-00am-12-00pm/

Image: Ascott Martyrs quilt, 1873. Image courtesy of People's History Museum.

Ascott Martyrs' Educational Trust

Happy International Museum Day from People’s History Museum! Nestled amongst the ever skyward-growing buildings of Spinn...
18/05/2023

Happy International Museum Day from People’s History Museum! Nestled amongst the ever skyward-growing buildings of Spinningfields, is the home of , telling the stories of ordinary people fighting for their rights.

Image: People's History Museum.

Explore the history of democracy and protest on a guided tour of People’s History Museum 🪧Main Gallery One, Sat 13 May M...
09/05/2023

Explore the history of democracy and protest on a guided tour of People’s History Museum 🪧

Main Gallery One, Sat 13 May

Main Gallery Two, Sat 20 May

Book tickets: phm.org.uk/events_new/main-gallery-guided-tour/?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=Post&utm_campaign=Main+Gallery+tours+

05/05/2023

in 1882, and militant suffrage campaigner Sylvia Pankhurst was born.

The Manchester banner, 1908, was created to mark the founding of the Women’s Social and Political by Sylvia’s mother Emmeline Pankhurst.

Explore the banner’s journey to PHM in this video...

The Manchester suffragette banner will be on display at PHM from Wednesday 21 June 2023 for the first time in five years.

Be the first to hear about the special events surrounding the banner when you sign up to our e-newsletter via the PHM Radicals quiz: https://phm.org.uk/radicals-quiz/

Happy May Day! While the traditions of workers marking May Day went further back, in 1889 the first International Worker...
01/05/2023

Happy May Day! While the traditions of workers marking May Day went further back, in 1889 the first International Workers’ Day was officially proclaimed by the socialist Second International. It was a day of mourning for the Haymarket Martyrs of Chicago.

Today it is an opportunity to celebrate workers and remember our collective power.

Also known as International Workers Day, May Day has been marked with varying degrees of militancy throughout the years. Last year, Dr Shirin Hirsch went in depth on the history of May Day on PHM’s blog: https://bit.ly/40j7LTQ

🖼️: “Flowers for Labour’s May Day” & “A Posy for May Day” by Walter Crane, around 1903.

On this day in 1759,   Mary Wollstonecraft was born. The philosopher wrote early feminist text A Vindication of the Righ...
27/04/2023

On this day in 1759, Mary Wollstonecraft was born. The philosopher wrote early feminist text A Vindication of the Rights of Woman in 1792.

Find out if Mary is ‘your radical’ in PHM’s Which Radical are you quiz: https://phm.org.uk/radicals-quiz/

Image: Mary Wollstonecraft by Stewy

17 years ago, this banner was created to convey the need to take care of the world for future generations. One half of t...
22/04/2023

17 years ago, this banner was created to convey the need to take care of the world for future generations. One half of the banner is rich with wildlife, the other is a barren wasteland.

Image: Which Tomorrow? Banner by Beryl Clark, 1996.

This banner design and the mottos it uses reflect the militancy of new unions that arose in the 1880s. The banner depict...
18/04/2023

This banner design and the mottos it uses reflect the militancy of new unions that arose in the 1880s. The banner depicts Hercules wrestling a serpent, which can be seen as him waging 'holy war' against 'Destitution, Prostitution and Exploitation'.

The design was taken from Walter Crane's 'Hercules and the Old Man of the Sea' drawing published in 1892.

The Dock, Wharf, Riverside and General Workers Union of Great Britain and Ireland, Dockers Union formed in 1889 after the Great Dock Strike.

Image: Dockers Union Export Branch banner, around 1890

People’s History Museum will be open every day over the Easter bank holiday weekend.Visit to learn about protests, strik...
06/04/2023

People’s History Museum will be open every day over the Easter bank holiday weekend.

Visit to learn about protests, strikes, and the fight for our rights.

Image: People's History Museum building

On this day in 1920, the National League of the Blind march began.  171 blind workers marched in protest to London’s Tra...
05/04/2023

On this day in 1920, the National League of the Blind march began.

171 blind workers marched in protest to London’s Trafalgar Square from Manchester, Leeds and Newport. Their action led to the Blind Persons Act 1920.

Their slogan was Justice Not Charity – a sentiment still very much relevant today.

Read more about the National League of the Blind march on the Working Class Movement Library website: https://bit.ly/40qlf0T

Image description: : A red National League of the Blind Tottenham Branch banner which says ‘Justice not Charity’ with small embroidered flowers.

What do British trade unions have to do with the Spanish Civil War? Many unions showed support for Spanish Republicans -...
01/04/2023

What do British trade unions have to do with the Spanish Civil War? Many unions showed support for Spanish Republicans - this banner shows British printers’ campaign for the government to send arms to the Republicans.

Due to the Non-Intervention Act, no countries were meant to send arms or resources to Spain in support of either side. Demands to arm Spain were repeated throughout the Spanish Civil War, but Britain never broke the Act.

On this day in 1939, the Spanish Civil War ended in Republican defeat.

Image description: A banner which says ‘Printers demand arms for Spain’

31/03/2023
Illegal trade unions in 19th century Britain

From 1800 to 1871, trade unions were illegal or severely restricted. Many unions in the 19th century used stealthy language such as ‘friendly society’ to avoid persecution, such as the creators of the Loyal White Lion Lodge banner (1821), which Virginia examines in this video.

New anti-union laws introduced by the Conservative Party are now in the House of Lords with an that threatens working people’s fundamental right to strike once again.

Find out more about this concerning legislation on the TUC website: https://www.tuc.org.uk/ProtectRightToStrike

At PHM’s Easter Make Your Mark workshops, meet The Manchester Argonaut, roll up your sleeves and have some fun with clay...
29/03/2023

At PHM’s Easter Make Your Mark workshops, meet The Manchester Argonaut, roll up your sleeves and have some fun with clay. Inspired by Jason Wilsher-Mills' richly decorated sculpture, children are invited to create clay figures which tell a story.

Choose a date: Wednesday 5 April or Wednesday 12 April, 1.00pm to 3.00pm

Book free tickets: https://phm.org.uk/events_new/make-your-mark/

Make Your Mark is a series of Family Friendly activities at PHM. Express yourself with creative activities, every Wednesday in school holidays.

Image: The Manchester Argonaut by Jason Wilsher-Mills, 2022.

Image description: A colourfully decorated sculpture of a grinning figure with an industrial headpiece and detailed tattoos.

It’s the first day of spring! Can you help us identify any of the flowers on this Country Standard banner from 1980? 💐 C...
20/03/2023

It’s the first day of spring! Can you help us identify any of the flowers on this Country Standard banner from 1980? 💐

Country Standard is a rural journal, published intermittently since 1936, whose content was dominated by the Communist Party of Great Britain.

This beautifully embroidered banner was made by campaigner Phyllis Hood who attended the Royal School of Needlework.

17/03/2023

Dockworkers, dirt and dissent!

In this video, Bob from PHM’s Visitor Experience Team tells us more about the Union and Victory banner, 1889, which was used during the Great London Dock Strike.

Earlier this week, we posted PHM visitor Sylvia’s brilliant recreation of this banner.

Betty Tebbs was an activist and peace campaigner who campaigned for causes such as workers’ rights and nuclear disarmame...
16/03/2023

Betty Tebbs was an activist and peace campaigner who campaigned for causes such as workers’ rights and nuclear disarmament for over 80 years. Funds are being raised for a plaque for Betty Tebbs on the East Lancashire Paper Mill gates in Radcliffe, where her first foray into activism began.

The campaign is about halfway towards its goal of £700. Support by buying the charity single by MSIXSIX: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDoNwy0svjg

You can also find out if Betty Tebbs is ‘your radical’ by taking the Which Radical are You? personality quiz: phm.org.uk/radicals-quiz

Black women played a significant role in the Anti-Apartheid movement, fighting both racial and gender-based oppression. ...
15/03/2023

Black women played a significant role in the Anti-Apartheid movement, fighting both racial and gender-based oppression. However, when the African National Congress formed in 1912, it did not accept women as members.

The African National Congress Women’s League formed in 1943. Some of their work included boycott campaigns, mobilising funds and campaigns to free female political prisoners, and working towards roles in policy-making.

Read more about global women’s movements in our blog by PHM Collections Officer Shivaya Prasad: https://bit.ly/3yqoXLS

Image: Women Unite for People’s Power poster, by the African National Congress, 1984

134 years of collective action stands between these two banners.Inspired by the Union and Victory banner (1889) in PHM’s...
15/03/2023

134 years of collective action stands between these two banners.

Inspired by the Union and Victory banner (1889) in PHM’s collection, visitor Sylvia created her own version for a Leicester NEU rally during the Teachers' Strike. Incredible 🤩

The original banner was made for the Great London Dock Strike of 1889, in which 130,000 workers successfully walked out in protest over exploitative conditions. They achieved their main demand of a living wage.

Image 1: Union and Victory banner recreation carried at a teachers' strike in Leicester, 2023. Image courtesy of Sylvia McNeill.
Image 2: Union and Victory banner, 1889. Image courtesy of People’s History Museum.

Tomorrow, on the day of the Spring Budget, 500,000 workers are set to strike for better working conditions. Union banner...
14/03/2023

Tomorrow, on the day of the Spring Budget, 500,000 workers are set to strike for better working conditions.

Union banners tell a story of over 200 years of workers’ action.

Image: Ipswich Dockers Union banner, back, around 1890. Image courtesy of PHM.

[Image description: A banner in which a dock worker and a man in a top hat and tails shake hands, over them presides an angel holding a ribbon which says ‘May they ever be united.’ The slogan at the top says ‘Justice to the toilers’.]

PHM’s landmark exhibition Nothing About Us Without Us and its supporting programme has been shortlisted as Community Eng...
10/03/2023

PHM’s landmark exhibition Nothing About Us Without Us and its supporting programme has been shortlisted as Community Engagement Programme of the Year at the Museum + Heritage Awards! 🎉
This exhibition would not have been possible without the incredible efforts of the entire PHM team, the Community Curators (Alison Wilde, Anis Akhtar, Hannah Ross and Ruth Malkin), the steering group and all those who have contributed their stories and experiences. Thank you!

Full statement: https://phm.org.uk/phm-story/statements-and-responses/

Image: Nothing About Us Without Us exhibition at People’s History Museum.

What are the origins of  ? And how can we use this day to not only celebrate women, but call for liberation & equality? ...
08/03/2023

What are the origins of ? And how can we use this day to not only celebrate women, but call for liberation & equality?


In this , PHM Collections Officer Shivaya Prasad, explores the importance of women’s movements globally through PHM's poster collection: https://phm.org.uk/blogposts/international-womens-day-posters-for-female-liberation/

Image: Fempress poster, by Pescina, around 1980s

Image description: A yellow poster with an illustration of three Chilean women sat in a circle, above them is written fempress.

08/03/2023

This June, the iconic Manchester suffragette banner (1908) will celebrate its 115th birthday by going on display at People's History Museum.

The banner is a reminder that the Women’s Social and Political Union was started by Emmeline Pankhurst in in 1903, before moving its headquarters to London.

The Manchester suffragette banner is particularly vulnerable to light degradation and must be kept in protective conditions, making this rare opportunity to see the banner on display especially exciting.

See the banner at PHM from Wednesday 21 June 2023.

06/03/2023

Where do you fit amongst our ? Take the PHM personality quiz to find your match: https://bit.ly/3butC1l

There is an option at the end to sign up to our e-newsletter, for regular PHM updates and content straight to your inbox.

What better way to celebrate the start of   than with this beautiful banner by Sisters of Frida?  Sisters of Frida is an...
01/03/2023

What better way to celebrate the start of than with this beautiful banner by Sisters of Frida?

Sisters of Frida is an experimental collective of disabled women, taking their name from disabled artist Frida Kahlo. Exploring shared experiences and intersectional ‘possibilities’ is at the heart of the group’s ethos: ‘We are disabled women but that is not our only identity’.

Sisters of Frida banner, 2018, is on loan from Sisters of Frida as part of PHM’s Nothing About Us Without Us exhibition until October 2023.

Image description: A purple banner with the words ‘Sisters of Frida Hear Our Voices!’. The banner features detailed applique textile elements such as a hummingbird, leaves and flowers.

On this day in 1788, radical reformer, writer and Peterloo leader Samuel Bamford was born. He led the march from Rochdal...
28/02/2023

On this day in 1788, radical reformer, writer and Peterloo leader Samuel Bamford was born. He led the march from Rochdale and Middleton to St Peter’s Field in Manchester on 16 August 1819. He was prosecuted and sentenced to 12 months in jail for attending and speaking at Peterloo.

Amongst his famous radical writings are his account of the Peterloo Massacre, radical poems in the Lancashire dialect, and Passages in the Life of a Radical which examined the conditions of working class life in 19th century England.

Read more about Bamford’s life and legacy: https://bit.ly/3JNAjgj

Image: Samuel Bamford painting, date unknown, courtesy of Rochdale Arts & Heritage

Today marks the centenary of the birth of activist Harry Leslie Smith. Given the title of ‘the world’s oldest rebel’, he...
25/02/2023

Today marks the centenary of the birth of activist Harry Leslie Smith. Given the title of ‘the world’s oldest rebel’, he campaigned for the NHS and refugees into his 90s. Having lived through the Great Depression and served during World War II, Harry saw first-hand the “preventable tragedies”, the power of humanity and the things that he thought we should all treasure.

In 2019 Harry’s son John donated to PHM the leather jacket that Harry wore throughout his five year long Harry's Last Stand tour which was spent visiting refugee camps.

In this blog, PHM’s Collections Manager Sam Jenkins explores his story and the iconic jacket which is now part of PHM’s collection: phm.org.uk/blogposts/standing-with-harry-the-worlds-oldest-rebel

Image 1: John Max Smith with Collections Manager Sam Jenkins in 2019 with Leather jacket worn by campaigner Harry Leslie Smith. Image courtesy of People’s History Museum.

Address

Left Bank, Spinningfields
Manchester
M33ER

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Monday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm
Sunday 10am - 5pm

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+441618389190

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What are some practical, creative and achievable ways that your museum can generate sustainable income?

We'll be discussing this and much more at Money Talks: Income Generation for Museums on 17 March 📆

Confirmed speakers include:

• Aine Graven, Head of Development, People's History Museum
• Sam Astill, Head of Museums and Engagement, South West Heritage Trust
• Maureen Page, Director, Butser Ancient Farm
• Rowan Brown, Chief Executive Officer, Museums Northumberland
• Celia Joicey, Director, Dovecot Studios
• Laura Pryke, Retail Manager and Buyer, Kettle's Yard, University of Cambridge
• Carl Bell, Managing Director, The Whitaker - Rossendale Museum and Art Gallery

Check out the programme now, and apply for a free place if you face barriers in the workplace 👉 http://ow.ly/2oxk50HYMAr
Open Kitchen proudly intercepts perfectly edible food that would otherwise go to waste, with 11.5 tonnes in January intercepted alone!

Located inside the People's History Museum their locally sourced, organic, seasonal, independent and short supply chain menu includes a wide variety of food and drink options.

Enjoy 25% off breakfast available every weekday from 8am to 10am, and until 11:30am at the weekend. This offer ends on 28 February.

More information: https://bit.ly/3LdUwgS
If you're looking for some Half Term actvities, make sure a visit to People's History Museum is on your list!

They'll be open seven days a week with plenty of family friendly activities to enjoy inlcuding their brand new 2022 Banner Exhibition featuring the world’s largest number of political and trade union banners.

More info: https://buff.ly/3ula4JN
Works of faith,hope and love,www.faopal.hu
There's lots to look forward this year at People's History Museum!

From Sat 29 Jan, their 2022 Banner Exhibition will bring you face to face with the handiwork of those who fought for the rights we have today.

Have a read of the 2022 Exhibition programme 👇

https://buff.ly/3GKSoKP
The People's History Museum in Manchester is preparing to showcase its Banner Exhibition for 2022.
This compelling display will open to the public on January 29, 2022.
Click here to see the full gallery of images: https://www.northernsoul.me.uk/exhibition-peoples-history-museums-2022-banner-exhibition/
This Is Your Chance to Profit from the Biggest Wealth Transfer of Our Generation and Finally Achieve A Life of Total Freedom!
Visit Now:
Ad - Review of People’s History Museum in Spinningfields, Manchester - totally perfect for a rainy weekend like we have incoming.

https://minitravellers.co.uk/review-peoples-history-museum-in-spinningfields-manchester/

People's History Museum
If you're in town today, pop into Manchester Central Library to see some short films by The Young Creatives at Contact, as part of International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

They're also available to watch at People's History Museum tomorrow and online.

Shout out to Sam Holley Horseman, RTYDS 18-Month Residency director at Contact, for her work on this project!



https://contactmcr.com/news/the-young-creatives-project/
Across the River Irwell, towards People's History Museum and Bridge Street in Manchester, at dusk this evening.
Like the site wish DAN was featured x
looks great stuff! People's History Museum
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