CWS Food Dept. Rochdale Road, Manchester, probably 1920/30s

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CWS Food Dept. Rochdale Road, Manchester, probably 1920/30s

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Media ID 32384846

© The Keasbury-Gordon Photograph Archive / Mary Evans

1920 30s Coop Cooperative Department Dept Fice Manchester Movement Rochdale Wholesale

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EDITORS COMMENTS
This vintage photograph, hailing from the Keasbury-Gordon Photograph Archive Collection at Mary Evans Prints Online, offers a glimpse into the past of Manchester's Co-operative Wholesale Society (CWS) Food Department on Rochdale Road. Dating back to the 1920s or 1930s, this image transports us back in time, inviting us to explore the history of this iconic institution. The photograph showcases a bustling department store scene, with employees diligently working behind the counters, serving customers, and managing the stock. The atmosphere is reminiscent of the Victorian and Edwardian eras, with the employees dressed in period attire and the store adorned with ornate fixtures and fittings. The large, open space is filled with an array of foodstuffs, from fresh produce and meats to baked goods and household items. The lantern slide movement, a popular method of projecting images during this era, adds to the intrigue and allure of this photograph. The use of this technique suggests that this image was likely shown to employees or members of the Co-operative Wholesale Society as a means of promoting the business or inspiring a sense of pride and camaraderie. The Co-operative Wholesale Society was a pioneering organization that began in Rochdale, England, in 1844. Its mission was to provide affordable, high-quality goods to its members through a cooperative business model. By the early 20th century, the society had expanded to include a vast network of food departments, such as the one depicted in this photograph. This photograph is a testament to the rich history of the Co-operative Wholesale Society and the important role it played in the lives of Manchester residents during the 1920s and 1930s. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the past, providing a window into the daily operations of a bygone era and the people who made it all possible.

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