Combining efforts: 200 Years of trade unions - exhibition launch
LSE Library
LSE Library Exhibition Gallery, 10 Portugal Street, London WC2A 2HD
Tuesday 23 Sep 2025 5.30pm - 7.30pm
Drop in from 5.30pm to 7.30pm for a drinks reception celebrating the launch of our new exhibition Combining efforts: 200 years of trade unions
Book a place to register your interest and receive reminders about the evening or drop in on the day!
About the exhibition
This year marks the 200th anniversary of the passing of the 1825 Combination Act. The Act legalised the formation of trade unions in the UK but the recognition of workers’ voices and campaigns remained contested. This exhibition traces some of the history of the development of trade unions through years of struggle, triumph, defeat, and resilience.
Alongside historical campaigns, it also shines a spotlight on underrepresented voices within the movement, including those to promote LGBTQ+ rights led by Jackie Lewis and the vital contributions of Black trade unionists today.
The exhibition was jointly curated and features materials from the TUC Library, which was founded in 1922 and is housed as part of the Special Collections at London Metropolitan University.
Curated by Indy Bhullar, Chelsea Collison and Jeff Howarth
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