An Ownerless Corner of Earth: songs to lift the spirits

Mike Mecham introduces a double CD of songs by Francis Devine, a published Irish labour historian, poet, singer and songwriter from Howth, County Dublin. A former President, and now Honorary President, of the Irish Labour History Society and editor of its journal Saothar, Francis Devine remains actively involved in the labour movement An Ownerless Corner of Earth is the second offering from Howth based singer Francis Devine. His first … Continue reading An Ownerless Corner of Earth: songs to lift the spirits

The Stepney branch committee of the Municipal Employees Association, 1901

This formal studio portrait (technically a cabinet card) captures the officers of the Stepney branch of the Municipal Employees Association shortly after the union came into being in 1901. Dressed in suits and ties, some in fashionable wing-collars, each wears what is most likely to be the union’s badge on their jacket lapel, ceremonial sashes across their chests recording the office they held. The MEA … Continue reading The Stepney branch committee of the Municipal Employees Association, 1901

LHR postgraduate essay prize 2022

Postgraduates are encouraged to submit articles for consideration for the 2022 essay prize to the editors of Labour History Review. This annual prize awards £500 for the best essay, which will be published in the LHR.  The essay prize is open to anyone currently registered for a higher research degree, in Britain or abroad, or to anyone who completed such a degree no earlier than February 2019. … Continue reading LHR postgraduate essay prize 2022

John L Halstead (1936-2021)

John Halstead, who has died aged 85, was among the earliest members of the Society for the Study of Labour History, and over a period of six decades occupied nearly every post within the Society, contributing his time and expertise unstintingly to serve as editor, chair, secretary and latterly vice-president. Born in Huddersfield, and educated at Highburton Church of England elementary school and Penistone Grammar … Continue reading John L Halstead (1936-2021)

Conference: working-class studies in Ireland

Ireland’s first working-class studies conference is to take place from 8-12 November. The first three days will be online via Zoom, followed by two face-to-face days at Liberty Hall, Dublin. The event includes 30 panels, two keynote Speakers and two live performance evenings. The Organising Committee is made up of working-class and feminist scholars currently researching and teaching in Ireland and overseas. The keynote speakers … Continue reading Conference: working-class studies in Ireland