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Posted by Editor on 15th January 2010 at 03:44 AM
Working Class Movement Library: Invisible Histories
by Tony Flynn

Currently showing at The Working Class Movement Library (WCML) on The Crescent, Salford is an exhibition entitled: Invisible Histories.

The Invisible Histories open day was to promote a forthcoming series of talks at the WCML
when talks will be held on such diverse topics as Lost Coal Mines in Salford, Local participation in the Spanish Civil War, Salford Pubs and Gangs of Victorian Manchester and Salford.

The Salford artist Lawrence Cassidy has made an exhibiton of everyday objects to represent working class life in Salford but has wrapped them in period newspaper, it gives a truly surreal aspect to the objects but somehow, it works.

Alongside Lawrence is interviewee Paul Kelly, a former miner at the Agecroft Colliery, who brings up the intriguing idea that the history of mining in Salford has been almost forgotten, despite the huge role that Agecroft has played.

Also in attendance for the open day was Salford's Mayor Councillor Roger Lightup, who explained that he, like so many that live and work in the city, is an adopted Salfordian having been born (through no fault of his own) down south in that there London town.

The video ends with a clip of Albert Thompson's brand of laid-back folk.

The first talk from the new series at the Library will be held on Wednesday 27th January at 2pm, when Chris Carson will give a talk on Salford's role in Love on the Dole.

All talks are free with refreshments available.

I have to admit that I have only visited the WCML on a couple of occasions but I was truly astounded at the wealth and diversity of the collection held there.

Spread over three floors there are thousands of books, posters, newspapers, banners, prints, photographs and much more all relating to the ordinary men and women who campaigned for social and political progress.

The Library was built on the collection of the late Ruth and Eddie Frow and was opened in November 1987 by Salford MP, Frank Allaun.

I spoke to Lynette Cawthra from the Library who was keen to dispel the many myths surrounding the building and it's collection, yes it is open to the general public but by appointment only, the library can be used for research purposes but the books are not available for lending out.

The WCML is open to the general public Tuesday-Friday, 10am-5pm and on the third Saturday of the month 10am-4pm.

The exhibitions are open Wednesday-Friday, 1pm-5pm, whilst guided tours are available, but you must book an appointment in advance.

This is a truly magnificent building with an equally incredible collection of material and I would urge everybody to visit this hidden gem in Salford.

Please telephone 0161-736-3601 or visit www.wcml.org.uk

Report as offensive or innapropriate Comment by Guest  16th January 2010
Really interesting and informative,good to see this Library getting the recogonigition it deserves, too many people think that it is not for "the like of them", well it is. Get down there and see the treasures that we have in Salford.

Report as offensive or innapropriate Comment by Guest  15th January 2010
The Library is indeed open to everyone. Wednesday to Friday 1-5pm are our times for visitors to drop in to see the library displays, no appointment necessary. At other times you're also welcome to come by appointment. Next tour is on 21 January at 2pm - ring 0161 736 3601 if you'd like to come along.

Report as offensive or innapropriate Comment by Guest  15th January 2010
An excellent description of the event and well covered considering the diversity of the people attending from all walks of life you have managed to include a good cross section .............well done Tony flynn

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