East Midlands Oral History Archive
Industry and the world of work
In the industry and the world of work theme, we have the following collections:
Arqueotex Collection
This oral history collection contains 44 interviews on a range of aspects associated with the hosiery industry in the Hinckley, Earl Shilton and Nuneaton area during the middle and latter part of the 20th century. There is also a paper script from a video made for the project. Over 60 years of techniques of the trade, production methods, trade union activity and working conditions are combined with the more social aspects of work, such as works outings, childcare and holidays. The everyday life of these hosiery workers is also recorded, together with more unusual experiences, such as wartime service during the Second World War
British United People
Former employees of the British United Shoe Machinery Company (BUSM) in Leicester talk about their experiences. They reflect on apprenticeships, the tasks they were required to undertake as part of their work, female employees, the BU Social Club, and company pensions.
Changing industries in Leicester's Cultural Quarter
This oral history collection comprises 7 interviews with residents, former residents and regular visitors to Leicester Cultural Quarter, conducted between the 9th and 13th of July 2013. They focus on the history and stories behind Leicester's Cultural Quarter and its changing industries.
EMOHA Collection
This oral history collection comprises 187 items, mostly oral history recordings but also broadcasts, other sound recordings and printed material. Recordings cover work in Leicester's hosiery factories, from shop floor to management, and a wide variety of other occupations.
Leicester Oral History Archive
The Leicester Oral History Collection is an extensive collection comprising 505 interviews with people from all areas of Leicester City and the county of Leicestershire. The collection includes many memories of men and women working in factories, shops, transport, domestic service, health services and many other occupations.
Mantle Oral History Project
This oral history collection comprises 140 interviews with residents of the Coalville and Whitwick area of Leicestershire. Work is prominent, particularly the coal mining industry, a major employer in the area. Other occupations which feature significantly include quarrying, brick-making, farming, factory work and domestic service. Professions are also represented, for example the work of a female general practitioner in Coalville.
Mines of Memory
This oral history collection comprises 24 interviews with retired coal miners of North West Leicestershire conducted between April 2008 and March 2009. Subjects covered include work at the coal face, work with particular machines, surveying, work in the stores, the engine shed, the canteen, office work, work culture, relations with management, strikes, and mining galas.
Mountsorrel Memories of Stone, Steam and Steel Project
This oral history collection comprises 25 interviews with residents of Mountsorrel, Leicestershire conducted between November 2011 and June 2012. Interviews focus on industry based within the village, exploring sites such as; the Mountsorrel Quarry, Rolls Royce Factory, Hosiery Factories and Shoe Box Factory. Interviewees highlight the impact of these industries on life in the village.
The Rhianydd Murray Collection
This oral history collection comprises 10 interviews with people connected to the hosiery trade in southwest Leicestershire. The collection includes interviews that cover different aspects of life in Hinckley and Earl Shilton in southwest Leicestershire, the main focus centring on the hosiery industry. Other topics that are covered include village life in Stanton, personal savings and building societies in Hinckley and Earl Shilton, engineering and local quarries.
Talking About Technology
This oral history collection comprises 39 interviews. They record the impact of changes in agricultural technology and industrial processes in the Melton Mowbray area of Leicestershire, and changes in building technology in the Stamford area of Lincolnshire. The Stamford material also includes reference to building materials, building decoration, public and environmental health, local historic buildings and a focus on local slate, stone and cement works.
Textile Tales
This collection comprises 56 interviews. It documents the decline of the textile industry in the East Midlands between 1980 and 2005. In the 1980s, Marks and Spencer sourced 90% of its textiles from British Companies; by 2000 this had reduced to 40%. As a result in the decline of the textile industry, companies, along with clubs and social groups that were part of these workplaces, disappeared. Interviewees included people from the boardroom to the factory shop to the shop floor. Companies mentioned include: Beeva Garments, Charnos, Cluny Lace, Cooper & Roe, Courtaulds, G H Fletcher, Geoffrey MacPherson Ltd, Meridian Knitwear, Nylatex, Pretty Polly, Price & Finch, Speedo, Vyella and Wolsey. Topics covered include: working conditions, piece work and pay, outwork, dialect and industry-specific terminology, health and safety, unions and strikes, training, the Buy British campaigns of the 1980s, social lives and factory closures and redundancy.
For working lives associated with transport, sport, health and others, have a look at the relevant page in this section of the website, or search the catalogue.