In Loving Memory of Work

by Craig Oldham, Ken Loach (Contributor)

A visual record of the political graphics and cultural outputs during the UK Miners' strike 1984-85.

168 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2015

Reviews

[Kriegslok · Rating 5 out of 5]

The 1984-1985 Miners Strike marked the last realistic attempt by what was left of the old labour movement to save a historically vital industry, its labour force and to resist the neoliberal revolution. That the miners - and ultimately most of the population of these islands - lost was hardly surprising given the forces of the State that were ranged against them. This excellent book is, as it describes itself, a visual record of that strike published some 30 years later when the industry that then was is fast becoming just a distant memory. The book looks at how the miners and their supporters fought a guerrilla war or words, pictures and actions against the State machine a truly David and Goliath battle in which Goliath won. The first section deals with the tools of protest (flyers, poster, music, song, badges, graffiti etc). The second deals with areas of solidarity with the miners. Those who were there and involved provide testimony and reflection on events and each section is beautifully illustrated with archive material. Towards the end a section deals with the Battle of Orgreave one of the great injustices and examples of what any state will do when it feels its back against the wall. Those days are over, the injustices are still with us and the powerful are more entrenched yet perhaps more insecure and dangerous than ever. This book is not just a nostalgia trip but an important reminder of how little the macro issues that led to the strike have changed. Essential reading to understand both the Great Strike of 1984-85 and where we are today.

[Tess · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely fantastic book. Offers a politically incisive overview of the 84-85 miners strike with loads of personal anecdotes and recollections of the strike, alongside propaganda, artwork and poetry produced by miners and their supporters.