Banner of the Rochdale Co-operative Women’s Guild
The branch of the guild dates from the start of the national membership in 1883.
The cotton velvet background in royal blue with cotton sateen mauve lining has metallic thread fringe and silk covered cotton hanging cord. Images and text are cut from felt, velvet, ribbon and faux fur. They are applied with adhesive and machine sewing. The banner hangs on an aluminium pole. Made by members in 1983 and measures 115cm high and 86cm wide.
The hanging ram is the civic symbol of Rochdale. Although a prominent wool town, it later became better known for cotton goods. The rainbow relates to the international association of co-operatives and the global following of the Rochdale Principles as well as the Peace Movement with which the branch associated. Cornflowers are depicted in the bowl between the dates of founding.
The Co-operative Heritage Trust 117927
The Trust was formed in 2007 by Co-operatives UK, the Co-operative College and the Co-operative Group to bring together heritage assets of the British Co-operative Movement to educate and inspire audiences about how and why co-operatives developed from the 19th Century.
The Trust cares for Rochdale Pioneers Museum and the Co-operative Archive based in Manchester. In 2012 the National Lottery Heritage funded Rochdale Project took place including a major renovation of the museum building.
The banner and textile collection
As part of the Rochdale Project, conservation of banners in the collection was undertaken at the textile studios of the People’s History Museum, Manchester.
Trades Union style banners were carried by co-operators to reflect the pride of the membership in their societies and to rally support for positive change. As such they are decorated with symbols representing friendship, solidarity and peace.
https://www.co-operativeheritage.coop/
Photography by John Harris / Report Digital. Digital retouching by Adrian Hayes.
Photography, design and print by unionised labour. www.reportdigital.co.uk, www.kavitagraphics.co.uk and www.rapspiderweb.co.uk
