People's History Museum

The outside of the Museum

The People's History Museum (located on Spinningfield's Left Bank in Manchester) is a definite must go! The entire museum documents the plight of the population in their struggle for; suffrage, employment and public services. The exhibitions are very interactive and great for children (I was in my element, pressing Blair buttons and turning NHS cogs). The main gallery on the first floor is full of both Conservative and Labour election campaign posters, the most famous being Conservative's 1979 'Labour isn't working' election poster. It's fascinating seeing all the posters in the gallery- with some being individually dissected. It is also highlighted that posters without the words are just meaningless images open for interpretation. The most successful propaganda seems to either play on society's fears (i.e. unemployment, hunger) or feature top hats and pipes (symbols which connote trustworthiness). The second floor is hugely interactive and investigates the Peterloo massacre whilst speakers spill out historical speeches from famous policy makers. There is a huge selection of banners displayed- and the significance of banners and symbolism in protests is analysed.

You might be expecting the entire museum to be a huge shrine to socialism, where the water in the toilets comes out red. However, this couldn't be further from the truth! Obviously, the museum is focused on 'the people's' campaigns for equal rights and public services- this just happens to be a left wing notion. I'd say there is a fairly equal balance between both Conservative and Labour literature available for viewing in the museum. The running theme is what 'the people' have done to improve the lives of many, politics aside.

Famous Conservative 1979 poster.

I might return and buy the cup

Feminist Webs are currently exhibiting a collection of empowering material for women below the conference rooms on the first floor. Furthermore, the museum gift shop has a wide range of posters available for purchase- and plastic cups with straws spiralling around them (so tempting). If you are ever in Manchester, I really recommend this museum. The exhibitions are vibrant and engaging, and the whole museum is refreshing.