Co-operative Collecting: Unions and the History of Working People
Wednesday 12 October, 2022 at 4.30 p.m
Learn about the history of trade unions in this free multi-faceted event.
Join us at the Kelvin Hall for this exciting event, bringing together the National Library of Scotland’s strong collections of labour and trade union history with Unite the Union, who are currently celebrating their centenary year.
Collection Showcase 4.30 – 5.30 p.m.
A chance to explore a ‘hands-on’ collection showcase, with items from the archives of the National Library of Scotland and Unite the Union , including unique ephemera and hand painted trade union banners, as well as film and audio clips offering a fascinating insight into Scottish people’s working lives. There will be film to watch on a 12 screen video wall, audio to listen to from the sound archive and expert curators on hand to ask questions about why we collect these valuable and important records of everyday people.
A programme of speakers followed by a Q&A session 5.30 – 8 p.m.

Starting with a big screen exploration of working people’s histories in the National Library of Scotland’s moving image collection there will then be an opportunity to learn about the Unite History Project, key disputes and campaigns in the Scottish trade union movement, and women’s experiences in the workplace.
Speakers:
Ann Cameron, Curator, National Library Scotland
Jim Mowat, Unite Director
Pat Rafferty, Unite Regional Secretary
Roz Foyer, STUC General Secretary
Dr Valerie Wright, Research Associate, Glasgow University
Q&A chaired by Chris Cassells, Head of Archives & Manuscripts, National Library of Scotland.
Tickets are free but please book at Eventbrite. Accessible seating available.
CINE[STHESIA]
CINE[STHESIA] screenings showcase hidden gems fromNLS’s Moving Image Archive. From the Eerie and surreal, to the nostalgic and factual, each screening is carefully curated by staff or special guests.
The films shown are preserved as part of the Moving Image Collection.
When you book this event, your personal information will be held and used by the National Library of Scotland for the purposes of allowing you to attend the event. They use some of the information for audience research purposes. They expect attendees to behave respectfully towards presenters, guests and other audience members. For full information about how the Library will hold and use your personal information, see privacy pages, in particular our event booking privacy notice
This section: Cinema, Free Events, What's On Glasgow West End: cinema, clubs, theatre, music, events, festivals, community and more
Related Pages
- Glasgow Society of Lady Artists at WestFest
- Robin Nolan Trio – For The Love Of George Harrison Tour at Cottiers
- Legally Blonde 25th Anniversary at GFT
- WestFest 2026: Full Programme Announced
- Storytelling For Adults, Alexandria
- The Scotland Channel presents Hillhead Hoolie
- Heritage Festival West Dunbartonshire- Speakeasy
- Paintings on Railings at West Fest
- Westfest 2026 – Step into the Arlington Baths
- Creative Heritage Cafe – Dalmuir
- The Wizard of the Kremlin at GFT
- Children’s Walk for Gaza, Glasgow Green
- Everbody to Kenmure Street at GFT
- Connected Community Talk: Stolen Stories
- National Theatre Live: All My Sons
- Old Kilpatrick Graveyard, Walk and Talk
- Foraging Walk at The Saltings, Old Kilpatrick
- Writing Short Stories like Agnes Owens with Kirstin Innes
- Mayday: That Sinking Feeling, University of Glasgow – live performance
- Book Launch: The History of Working-Class Courtship, Marriage and Divorce in Scotland, 1855-1939