Salon | The Northern Art Workers' Guild: An Untold Story

In this edition of the Manchester Histories Salon series, author Barry Clark will share recent research on William Morris, famed textile designer, artist, and activist associated with the British Arts and Crafts movement, and the lesser known Manchester-based Arts and Crafts architects, artists, and artisans who formed the Northern Art Workers’ Guild in the city in 1896.

With over a hundred members and three major exhibitions in the city the Guild was part of a northern craft revival that was neither rural nor London-focused—an essential component of the Arts and Crafts movement located here in the heart of industrial England.

The Guild was unusual for its time in that women were active and equal members, holding office, giving talks and designing the poster for the Guild’s first exhibition in 1898. Whilst the Guild was relatively short-lived (1896-1912) its members and ideals played a key part in later initiatives. In 1917, the highly active Manchester branch of the Design & Industries Association was established, promoting the best in everyday machine-made products. In 1920, the Red Rose Guild of Artworkers held the first of its annual craft exhibitions, thus continuing the promotion of hand-made objects. Both organisations reflect Manchester's continuing importance in the inter-war years as a centre for good design.

Throughout the talk, Barry will share many original documents held in Central Library's archive collection, bringing to life the untold story of Manchester’s extensive involvement in the Arts and Crafts movement.

Barry will be joined by co-author Richard Fletcher for a Q&A session - sharing the stories, research, and experiences that led to the book's development, as well as delving into some of the incredible discoveries it reveals.

Copies of their book will also be available to purchase at the event, with an opportunity to have it signed by two of the authors.

A Salon is an informal, hosted gathering where people come together to share ideas and conversation. Traditionally, salons mix short talks with open discussion, bringing different voices and topics together.

At Manchester Histories, a Salon is an early-evening hybrid event: a relaxed talk and conversation with guest speakers on a range of themes, with time for audience questions and discussion both in-person and online.

This event is free to attend, and as a small charity we truly welcome any contribution you are able to make. Suggested donations of £3–£10 help us continue our work with local communities, create imaginative and inclusive programmes, and sustain the Manchester Histories Festival in celebrating Greater Manchester’s rich and diverse histories and heritage. Every donation, whatever the amount, makes a real difference. Thank you for supporting us.

Manchester Central Library is fully accessible. To help us make this event as inclusive as possible, we welcome you to contact us at least two weeks in advance regarding any specific access requirements, including BSL interpretation or other support needs. Thank you.

Email: [email protected]

Call: 0161 306 1982

We may contact you after the event with an event feedback form. We’d really appreciate it if you could take a couple of minutes to fill it out. Your thoughts will help us improve future events and strengthen the case for more programmes like this.

This event will take place in person and online via Zoom. A Zoom link will be emailed to ticket holders shortly before the event begins.

This salon will be recorded and shared on Manchester Histories YouTube channel and potentially other media outlets. The broadcast will focus only on the guest speakers, but if you do not wish to appear in the recording itself, please switch off your camera. The in-person audience may feature in the Q&A section of the event, please make yourself known to us if you do not wish to be recorded.

Seating is unallocated for this event so please arrive promptly to take your seat.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Manchester Central Library, Manchester Histories Hub, Manchester, United Kingdom

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