Social Life of the Factory

Introduction

Image references for Overview of the Social Life of the Factory - pdf

Download video Overview of the Social Life of the Factory - mp4

Professor Simon Gunn describes the Social Life of the Factory's major topics, including the organisation of work, the workforce, and leisure.

What was the social structure like for those working in British industry during the 20th century?

What was expected of women as opposed to men in the workplace?

Were there implications from immigration or from class?

Learning resources

The Corah App - Social Life of the Factory - Powerpoint saved as pdf - Interactive, clickable 'app' using images to reveal aspects of the social life of the factory, including gender issues, amenities, sports events, and historical context. For quick view right here in browser, try this version. This version also recommended for use on tablets and smartphones.

The Corah App - Social Life of the Factory - Powerpoint pps - Interactive, clickable 'app' using images to reveal aspects of the social life of the factory, including gender issues, amenities, sports events, and historical context.

D. Byford and Co. 1940 - pdf picture eBook - Book of text and photographs of the factory and staff; published in the 21st anniversary year of the factory.

Corah Photo Scrapbook - pdf picture eBook - Scrapbook of photos with captions from N. Corah and Sons Ltd Factory, c1930s.

Corah Encore News, Summer 1954 - pdf picture eBook - Employee magazine from N. Corah & Sons Ltd. Includes a feature on the E departments, the new 'St Margaret' head, 1953 accounts, details of the commemoration and unveiling of WWII plaque, sports clubs, and information from branches

St. Margaret's Works Social and Athletic Club Rules - pdf picture eBook - rule booklet of St Margaret's Work Social and Athletic Club Sports Ground, Abbey Lane, Leicester, c1930.

Young male worker at Corah - mp3 interview with Tony Taylor, describing how he found work at Corah at the age of 15 (1952), and early years of learning and working at Corah knitting factory of Leicester

Corah Sports Club - mp3 interview with Tony Taylor, describing the sports club and activities at Corah (1950s through 1980s)

Corah Company Politics - mp3 interview with Tony Taylor, describing some of the company politics and policies at Corah (1950s through 1980s)

Changing Technology in Knitwear and Hosiery Manufacturing - mp3 interview with Tony Taylor, covering how technology was changing in that manufacturing field, from the 1950s through the 1980s

Queen's Visit 1958 at Corah - mp3 interview with Barbara Taylor (who happened to be pregnant at the time of the visit). Preparations for the Queen's visit and what actually happened on the day.

Corah Shop and Tidy Working - mp3 interview with Barbara Taylor describing the in-house shop provided by Corah for its workers and the quota system upon which purchases were made. Also discussed are the comparison of the tidiness of work environments at a factory and at home.

Corah Social Life and Fun - mp3 interview with Barbara and Tony Taylor describing how social life mixed with work, including festivities for special occasions.

Pay and Labour Issues - mp3 interview with Barbara and Tony Taylor describing pay and the hierarchy of workers within a clothing manufacturing plant, and labour issues.

Computerised Knitwear Manufacturing - mp3 interview with Tony Taylor explaining his training in and working with computerised processes which made their way into knitting and clothing manufacturing.

Changes in Sewing at Corah and Wolsey - mp3 interview with Barbara Taylor describing different sewing practices at Corah and at Wolsey.

Corah Employee Handbook 1954 - pdf ebook - The employee handbook details working practices, matters of discipline, and details of benefits such as savings scheme and sports.

Corah Annual Report and Accounts 1984 - pdf ebook - Official report of earnings and other measurements over 1984.

Sewing Hot Pants and Other Outdoor Work - mp3 interview with Barbara Taylor regarding the time after she left Corah and did 'outdoor work,' referring to work done at home as an independent contractor.

Overseas Workers and Visitors and Company Travel - mp3 interview with Tony and Barbara Taylor about overseas workers beginning to work at Corah; some discussion of entertaining visitors from overseas, as well as Tony's overseas travel on behalf of Corah.

Socialising at Work - mp3 interview with Tony and Barbara Taylor about the question of whether socialising went on during work hours at Corah, and how this could be useful for professional purposes as well.

Savings and Pensions Schemes at Corah - mp3 interview with Tony and Barbara Taylor regarding schemes for Corah employees, in the area of savings and pensions.