Chainmakers' strike leader portrait takes pride of place in Cradley Heath library (From Halesowen News)
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Chainmakers' strike leader portrait takes pride of place in Cradley Heath library
4:15pm Thursday 28th June 2012 in Local
Treasurer and secretary of the Friends of Rowley Libraries Jayne Wilkinson, its chairman Michael Robinson and chainmaker Annette Bradney. (To buy: 271202J)
A SPECIALLY commissioned portrait of Mary Macarthur - leader of the women chainmaker's strike of 1910 - has been given to the Friends of Cradley Heath Library.
The painting has been donated by the equal pay campaigner’s grandson and will be hung in the library.
James Bargrave Deane gave the historic picture to Sandwell mayor Councillor Keith Davies following the recent unveiling of the Mary Macarthur monument in the town.
Cllr Davies formally has now handed over the portrait to the friends group and it will hang in the library, which was opened in 1909 - the year before the strike.
Rowley town lead member Councillor Barbara Price said: "Mary Macarthur was a inspiring woman who bought the community together at the time and is still remembered by the people in the area."
The 10-week long strike won a battle to establish a fair wage for women, changing the lives of thousands of workers.
