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On strike: the colliers family at home, 1912
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On strike: the colliers family at home, 1912
On strike: the colliers family at home in South Wales. A study from life by Fortunino Matania. The national strike ended after 37 days, with the introduction of the minimum wage act.
1912
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Media ID 14350942
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
Coal Collier Conversation Debate Discussion Miners Minimum Mining Strike Wage
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On Strike - The Colliers Family at Home, 1912
EDITORS COMMENTS
is a poignant and evocative painting by Fortunino Matania that captures the essence of the working-class family during the coal miners' strike in South Wales, which lasted for 37 days in that year. The scene unfolds in the intimate setting of a humble home, where the family gathers around a high-backed chair, deep in conversation and debate. The father, a collier, sits with a serious expression, his worn work clothes a testament to his laborious occupation. His wife, dressed in simple domestic attire, holds their young child in her arms, while their older son looks on with concern. A baby, swaddled in blankets, lies on the floor nearby, oblivious to the adult world's turmoil. The coal miners' strike of 1912 was a pivotal moment in the history of the working class in Britain. The miners, seeking better wages and working conditions, had walked out in defiance of their employers. The family's home became a sanctuary, a place of refuge and solidarity, as they weathered the storm of economic uncertainty and political upheaval. The painting captures the resilience and determination of the working class, even in the face of adversity. The interior of the home is sparsely furnished, with simple, functional pieces that reflect the family's modest means. The muted colors and natural light filtering in through the window create a sense of warmth and comfort, despite the hardships that the family is facing. The painting is a poignant reminder of the human cost of industrial strife and the importance of family and community during times of crisis. The National Strike ended in 1912 with the introduction of the Minimum Wage Act, which marked a significant victory for the working class. This painting is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices and struggles that shaped the history of the working class in Britain and continues to resonate with us today.
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