Banner, Edinburgh Associated Operative Plumbers

Category

Museums & Galleries Item

Item no

22498

Title

Banner, Edinburgh Associated Operative Plumbers

Description

Blue silk twill banner with different painted
design on each side, woollen pole loops and silk corded fringe. Reverse: title scroll, EDINBURGH ASSOCIATED OPERATIVE PLUMBERS. Motto scroll, SCOTLAND FOR EVER. Llion rampant. Large roundel showing scenes of the benefits of the union: a bedroom scene with sick man in bed; wife and
union representative with bag marked LSD at his bedside; child playing on floor. I WAS SICK AND You VISITED ME. As supporters, two plumbers with tools; thistles.

Artist / maker

Fraser, J.

Size

268cm x 245cm

Type

Banner

Location

The People's Story

Accession number

HH3104/66

The United Operative Plumbers' Association of Scotland was formed in 1872 when it broke away from the Association of Great Britain and Ireland (formed in 1865).
Although the banner is not obviously signed, it
is so similar in style to HH3626/72, Bookbinders
and Machine Rulers, to have been painted by John Fraser.

This banner is typical of the period, with strong statements of union, craft, civic and national pride. The benefits offered by union membership for accident, sickness, old age and death were of vital importance at a time when social security was unknown. The sickness of the breadwinner could mean the poorhouse for the rest of the family. The quotation, 'I was sick', is taken from Matthew Chapter 25, verse 36.

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Related subjects

Events > Demonstrations > Parades and Processions

Events > Event Accessories > Banners and Flags

People > Industry > Plumbers

People > Working Lives > Trade Unions

People > Working Lives > Working Conditions