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Arthur James Cook, British trade union leader
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Arthur James Cook, British trade union leader
Arthur James Cook (1883-1931), General Secretary of the Miners Federation of Great Britain, at the time of the General Strike of 1926.
1926
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Media ID 23215762
© The John Barrett Collection / Mary Evans
Arthur Cook Employment Federation Miners Policeman Policemen Secretary Strike Trades 1926 Rights
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This evocative photograph captures Arthur James Cook (1883-1931), the charismatic and determined General Secretary of the Miners Federation of Great Britain (MFGB), during the tumultuous year of 1926. Cook, a key figure in the British labour movement, is depicted here on a busy street, deep in conversation with a policeman, as the backdrop of the General Strike unfolds around them. The General Strike of 1926, a pivotal moment in 20th-century British history, was a mass protest against wage cuts and poor working conditions in the coal mining industry. The MFGB, under Cook's leadership, played a crucial role in organizing and mobilizing the miners and their supporters, ultimately leading to the largest labour action in the history of the United Kingdom. Cook's unwavering commitment to the cause is evident in this image, as he stands tall and resolute, his gaze fixed on the policeman, who seems to listen intently. The photograph encapsulates the tense atmosphere of the time, with the men in uniform standing guard, and the crowd of onlookers gathered on the pavement, watching the exchange unfold. The 1920s, a decade marked by economic instability and social unrest, saw the rise of powerful trade unions and the growing influence of labour politics in Britain. Cook, a man of the people, became a symbol of the working class's fight for employment rights and fair wages. His leadership during the General Strike earned him both admiration and controversy, as he navigated the complex political landscape of the time. This photograph serves as a poignant reminder of a pivotal moment in British labour history, and the indomitable spirit of those who fought for a better future for the working class.
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