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Modern Records Centre, University of Warwick @mrcwarwick.bsky.social · 6h

Founded in 1919, The Economic League promoted the views of industrialists and business. It sought to blacklist employees who were identified as communist or left wing.

This 1950 leaflet suggests communism is about to devour the world.
#WorldOctopusDay

mrc-describe.epexio.com/records/TUC/...

Cover of Red Octopus, published by the Economic League. Picture of a red octopus covering the globe.

Headline text 'The Answer to Communism'. Pages in the background with headlines such as 'Red Plot', 'Cold War', 'Warning' and 'Red Cannon Fodder'.

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Reposted by Modern Records Centre, University of Warwick

Archives of IT @archivesofit.bsky.social · 2d

🍰 LEO (Lyons Electronic Office) was the first computer used for business, developed by UK firm J. Lyons & Co Ltd, known for tea shops and cakes. They needed to automate their payroll, marking the beginning of computers in business. Photo courtesy of the Modern Records Centre, University of Warwick.

A photograph showing the set up of LEO including where the power supply, circuits, store and input and output equipment should be.

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Modern Records Centre, University of Warwick @mrcwarwick.bsky.social · 1d

Medievalists and early modernists ahoy! 🚨

Our librarians are surveying the oldest books in the Library Special Collections and have found an intriguing endpaper bound into this 1516 edition of the Decretum Gratiani.

Do YOU recognise this heavily abbreviated Latin scrap?

Page of Latin, heavily abbreviated text, probably from the late 15th or early 16th century, annotated in tiny handwriting.

The other side of the page of Latin, also annotated in tiny handwriting, discoloured around the edges by the glue that was used to stick it to the wooden board used for binding.

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Reposted by Modern Records Centre, University of Warwick

Archives & Collections, Library of Birmingham @theironroom.bsky.social · 2d

#PowerAndPride2025 tinyurl.com/BHMOct25 Local photographer Herbert Walters’ collection-Portraits of Black Britain (MS 5183/3) has become available on birmingham.access.preservica.com/archive. Photographs mostly taken in Birmingham and London between 2008–2022 #LibraryofBham @blackhistorymonth.org.uk

A group of people assembled outside the Library of Birmingham. A young female figure in the forefront of the photo is wearing a face mask and holding a banner with the words Black Lives Matter on it. She is also wearing a face mask. People surrounding the figure are also holding placards and wearing face masks. In the background, the reflective quality of the windows on the ground floor of the library reflects the buildings and scene across the road from the library.

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Modern Records Centre, University of Warwick @mrcwarwick.bsky.social · 2d

"The price of a cup of tea & a biscuit"

In a nod to #WorldTeachersDay yesterday, we're going back to the 1950s, an era of "old unsuitable buildings" & "overcrowded classrooms", when the National Union of Teachers contrasted average spending on state education to that on booze & tobacco #HistEd

Pages from a mid 1950s National Union of Teachers' leaflet 'The future belongs to the children', including a summary of money spent on national education (5d a day), clothes (1s 2d), alcohol (11 1/2d), tobacco (11d) and meat and bacon (10d).

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Reposted by Modern Records Centre, University of Warwick

East Asia Study Group, University of Warwick @easgwarwick.bsky.social · 2d

Looking forward to co-hosting this roundtable next Thursday with our colleagues from the University of Birmingham!

Please, email us at [email protected] if you'd like to join and we can send you a Teams invite :)

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Modern Records Centre, University of Warwick @mrcwarwick.bsky.social · 2d

That's great - glad it was useful to give a bit of context and sounds an interesting source to research!

Modern Records Centre, University of Warwick @mrcwarwick.bsky.social · 5d

Health is Wealth

During the 1920s the Industrial Health Education Council toured the country, holding 'Heath Meetings' for millworkers, miners & other industrial workers.

These posters and more are in our digitised sources on British healthcare, 1900-1948: warwick.ac.uk/services/lib... #HistMed

Poster advertising health meeting for women mill workers in Dundee, 1926:
'INDUSTRIAL HEALTH EDUCATION COUNCIL
"HEALTH IS WEALTH."
HEALTH MEETING
FOR WOMEN MILLWORKERS
YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND A MEETING in the
Y.M.C.A. HALL. Constitution Road, Dundee,
On THURSDAY, 14th JANUARY
AT EIGHT P.M.
Dr. MARGARET SCOTT DICKSON, Dundee,
will speak on "BARGAINS in HEALTH."
Mr. NORMAN BLACK, L.D.S., R.C.S., Broughty Ferry,
will speak on "TEETH in RELATION to HEALTH."
(ILLUSTRATED by LIME-LIGHT SLIDES)
There will also be shown a Film by the Dental Board on
"THE CARE OF THE TEETH."
Also a Film by the Ministry of Health on
"Dr. WISE ON INFLUENZA."
CHAIR to be taken by Mrs. KINNEAR, Dundee
ADMISSION IS FREE, and QUESTIONS are INVITED.

NOTE- This is the first of Seven Meetings, and the Mills are being grouped. This Invitation is to the WOMEN MILLWORKERS in the following Mills in the Eastern Area:—
Messrs. James Prain & Sons, Larchfield Works ; Messrs. J. N. Kyd & Co., Walton Works ; Messrs. James Robertson & Co., Logie Works ; Messrs. The Victoria Spinning Co., Queen Victoria Works ; Messrs. M. & C. Hill, West Dudhope Works ; Messrs. D. McMaster & Co., South Dudhope Works ; Messrs. Scott, Sons & Co., North Dudhope Works ; Messrs. Alex. Henderson & Sons, South Dudhope Works ; Messrs. John Sharp & Sons' Works ; Messrs. Gilroy, Sons & Co., Tay Works ; Messrs. Wm. Ferguson & Sons, Dudhope Works.'

Poster advertising health meeting for miners in Hamilton, 1926:
'Industrial Health Education Council
"HEALTH IS WEALTH."
MASS MEETING OF MINERS
and others interested in the Mining Community
IN
LA SCALA PICTURE HOUSE,
HAMILTON,
(By kind permission of the Magistrates and the Management.)
ON SUNDAY, 21ST FEBY.
At 3 o'clock p.m.
Dr. WILLIAM DENNESS, Bothwell,
Will speak on "Miners' Sicknesses and Diseases."
Dr. CHAS. READ, L.D.S., Glasgow,
Will speak on "Teeth in Relation to Health, and what X-Rays reveal on Teeth Decay."
There will also be shown Two Films, one by the Dental Board on "The Care of the Teeth." and one by the Ministry of Health on "Dr. Wise on Influenza."
CHAIRMAN, - - WILLIAM B. SMALL, ESQ.
All interested in the Mining Community invited --- including Ladies.
QUESIONS AT THE CLOSE. ADMISSION FREE.'

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Reposted by Modern Records Centre, University of Warwick

Institute of Historical Research @ihr.bsky.social · 5d

🖥 We have a number of online research training courses starting in October.

Visit the IHR website to register and find detailed information on each course: www.history.ac.uk/study-traini...

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Modern Records Centre, University of Warwick @mrcwarwick.bsky.social · 6d

We're currently trying to gauge whether the Celery Coffee goes above or below VIMBOS fluid beef on the #TeaUp scale of terrible sounding beverages

Late 19th century advert for 'Vimbos' fluid beef. Promoted with an image of an ox sitting in a (presumably massive) tea cup with the unconvincing caption 'Prince of Fluid Beef', 'Testing tells the Flavour'. A sample of fluid beef could be obtained through the post.

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Reposted by Modern Records Centre, University of Warwick

Rachel MacGregor @anoldhand.bsky.social · 7d

Also looking forward to meeting @astonuniversity.bsky.social students at their annual Meet the Archivist event - love a chance to promote the rich resources @mrcwarwick.bsky.social

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Modern Records Centre, University of Warwick @mrcwarwick.bsky.social · 7d

Fancy a pleasant change from your ordinary drink? We give you “the great nerve and brain strengthener and restorer.”

Yes, celery coffee was a thing in 1892.

This advertisement is from the Young Women’s Christian Association’s ‘Our Own Gazette’.

#InternationalCoffeeDay #WorldVegetarianDay

Advertisement for celery coffee which states that it is a great nerve and brain strengthener and restorer. Prepared solely from celery, guaranteed pure and unmixed. By royal letters patent. Features in 'Our Own Gazette' July 1892.

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Modern Records Centre, University of Warwick @mrcwarwick.bsky.social · 8d

One for @rwldproject.bsky.social here!

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Modern Records Centre, University of Warwick @mrcwarwick.bsky.social · 8d

Archives, memory, representation & empowerment - and the gaps in the records...

We really enjoyed taking part in this event at @rshc.bsky.social, sharing stories around labour movement collections & records of resistance - from the MRC's origins to the NUM archives via the Spanish Civil War & Chile

History Workshop @historyworkshop.org.uk · 8d

How has paperwork served as a tool of empowerment for people who often find power elusive?

In our latest podcast, a group of historians, archivists, and activists met at the Raphael Samuel History Centre (@rshc.bsky.social) to discuss the hidden history of paperwork 🗃️🎙️

Changing The Record

How has paperwork served over time as a radical tool for empowerment and change?

www.historyworkshop.org.uk

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Reposted by Modern Records Centre, University of Warwick

The People's Papers @peoplespapers.bsky.social · 8d

Decided it was about time to make an account for this research project. You can learn more about the current "People's Papers" archival efforts underway @wcmlibrary.bsky.social here:
wcml.org.uk/blog/the-peo...

And catch up on updates via Instagram: www.instagram.com/peoplespapers/

The People’s Papers: Exploring Greater Manchester’s Activist Neighbourhood Newspapers from the 1970s - Working Class Movement Library

Announcing a new research project! In partnership with the University of Manchester’s new Humanities PGR Placement Scheme , we’ll be welcoming a PhD researcher, Arielle Lawson, to the Working Class Mo...

wcml.org.uk

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Modern Records Centre, University of Warwick @mrcwarwick.bsky.social · 8d

We especially enjoyed the dietary advice from one of the pioneering racers - mine's a glass of Burton ale! 🍺 #NSHD #cycling #beer

Newspaper excerpt which reads: "A glass of Burton ale is refreshing during training, and just a sip or two during a ride. Bovril is also a capital food in a liquid form, and I drink a great deal of it. Rice puddings also form one of the items upon my bill of fare while I am attempting to break records."

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Modern Records Centre, University of Warwick @mrcwarwick.bsky.social · 8d

Happy National Sporting Heritage Day - we hold the National Cycling Archive - a treasure trove of resources on the history of cycling, including the pioneering women cyclists of the late nineteenth century explore more here: warwick.ac.uk/services/lib... #NSHD #cycling #sport 🚴‍♀️

Black and white photograph of a woman wearing a black Edwardian outfit (possibly bloomers) balancing on a bicycle with the caption "Miss Harwood - second in six days' race at Royal Aquarium" Photo by H R Gibbs.

Black and white photograph of a woman standing next to a bicycle, holding it by the handlebars, wearing a dark blouse and bloomers and a pale cummerbund and sash with ribbons at her elbows and kneesand a posy of. flowers at her collar. The photograph is captioned "Miss Gambley - Lady Rider at Olympia"

A double portrait black and white photograpgh. On the left is a woman seated on her bicycle wearing a dark blouse and breeches with black stockings and a brooch at her neck. The photograph is captioned Mdlle Lisette, French Lady Champion. On the right is a woman also seated on her bicycle wearing a pale jacket and matching breeches or bloomers with a white short underneath. She also has black stockings and wears a small straw boater on her head. This photograph is captioned "Miss Grace, English Lady Champion". Both photographs are captioned "Professional Lady Cyclists"

Black and white photograph of a woman seated on her bicycle wearing a dark bouse or jacket with white sleeves and a white sailor collar. She is also wearing a medal in the shape of a cross. the photograph is captioned "Miss Frankie Nelson Professional Lady Champion of America"

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Reposted by Modern Records Centre, University of Warwick

Society for the Study of Labour History @sslh.bsky.social · 9d

Historians, archivists, librarians and historians working in the field of labour history. A starter pack to get you going…
go.bsky.app/CUqdx9a

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Modern Records Centre, University of Warwick @mrcwarwick.bsky.social · 9d

This handbook and more are included in our new exhibition on student life at Warwick, marking the university's first 60 years!

Looking for online resources? Explore the social history of campus through our prospectuses and handbooks at cdm21047.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/coll...

Screenshot of landing page for University of Warwick Prospectuses and Handbooks on Warwick Digital Collections

Modern Records Centre, University of Warwick @mrcwarwick.bsky.social · 9d

As we celebrate the Red Roses' victory, we're hailing some of the sport's pioneers!

Founder members of the Women's Rugby Football Union, the University of Warwick's team first scrummed down in 1980/1, making the cover of the Student Union handbook a year later

#Warwick60 #WRWC2025

Front cover of 'HANDBOOK!', University of Warwick Students Union handbook for 1981/2.
It includes a photo of Warwick's women's rugby team in action, with the caption 'Welcome to Warwick, where men are men, and the girls play rugby!'.

Extract from 'HANDBOOK!', University of Warwick Students Union handbook for 1981/2:
Rugby Women
Fed up with standing on the touchlines and spurred on by the tour of Britain by the Californians, the ladies set up the Club at the beginning of last season and join a growing number of teams in the country.
First let's dispel a few doubts:-
Yes, we play rugby - we tackle, kick, scrum-down. But it is ladies rugby and is played in a different style. More emphasis is placed on handling and less on kicking. Tackling is hard, but by women's standards not men's which makes it softer than some expect. Scrummaging against eight equally weighted women is nothing like packing down against men.
So why do we play this 'less-than-lady like' sport? There is far more involved in the game than in traditional women's sports and is therefore more challenging. It's new and is catching on fast, it gives an opportunity for a fitness not necessary for other sports, but most of all it's fun (We have a traditional rugby social atmosphere!).
So, bring those boots your brother has grown out of and join us. Training is on Sunday morning and you can meet us at Freshers Fayre.

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Reposted by Modern Records Centre, University of Warwick

Uni of Sheffield Special Collections, Heritage and Archives @uoscollections.bsky.social · 9d

🚨The call for papers for the History and Archives in Practice 2026 conference #HAP26 is now live! 🚨

Along with @ihr.bsky.social @nationalarchives.gov.uk.web.brid.gy @royalhistsoc.org we invite you to explore 'Shaping Societies, Improving Lives: The Impact of Archives and Historical Research' ⬇️

Call for Participation | History and Archives in Practice 2026

Shaping Societies, Improving Lives: the Impact of Archives and Historical Research

tinyurl.com

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Modern Records Centre, University of Warwick @mrcwarwick.bsky.social · 13d

Start of term, so it's advertising-our-Special-Collections-through-the-medium-of-road-signs time again...

Anyone keen to see our lovely 1578 edition of Dante may find us somewhere in Circle 3, in the vicinity of the staff cake table

Road sign headed 'University of Warwick'. It includes directions to Circle 1-2, Circle 3-4 and Circle 5.

Page from a 1578 Venetian edition of Dante, open at a page from the Inferno. The volume is included in our 'Special Collections' (older / rare books).

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Modern Records Centre, University of Warwick @mrcwarwick.bsky.social · 13d

Shipmates Ahoy!! ⚓

On #WorldMaritimeDay take an archival visit to the International Seafarer's Club in Poplar

Challenge a rival ship's crew to a billiard battle, "work the scurvy out of your bones" with a game of quoits and generally "have a ripping time"

mrc-describe.epexio.com/records/NUS/...

International Seafarers’ Club & Institute,
Affiliated to the Club and Institute Union.
MARITIME HALL.
WEST INDIA DOCK ROAD, POPLAR, LONDON,
United we Stand,
Divided we Fall.
SHIPMATES AHOY!!
Where are you bound to? London? Well then, dont forget to meet me at the Seafarers Club, & we will have a ripping time. What do, you say, don't know where it is, or what it is? Listen to me and I will enlighten you, although I really did think that every seaman sailing out of London belonged to it by now. I will just tell you a few words about it. because you will have to give a look in yourself when you get home, and I bet if you do,you'll just sign articles with the Seafarers at once.
The International Seafarers Club is an Institution founded by Seafarers, run by Seafarers, and for the benefit of Seafarers. It is situated in such a position as to be easy of access from any of the Docks and Districts in which Seafarers generally make their homes.
You will find all the latest Shipping news, Newspapers, and Periodicals from every part of the Globe. If you don't like reading, you will always find a partner for a game of Cards, Draughts, Dominoes, Chess, and other indoor games. There is a full sized Bagatelle board in the room. If you feel a little strong and the weather is fine, you can have a game of Quoits just to work the scurvy out of your bones.
On the first floor is the Billiard room, so arranged as to accommodate a number of spectators, in case you wish to play the crew of another ship, and last but not least, the large Meeting Hall affording accommodation for over 200 people, Concerts, Dances, Smokers, and Banquets are held in the same at frequent intervals. Here the
meetings of the National Sailors’ and Firemens Union held every Sunday evening at 8
This is about all I can tell you, and if you make up your mind to call and see for yourself, you will gladly and at once put down the shilling required for entrance fee.

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Reposted by Modern Records Centre, University of Warwick

Dr Sally Holloway @sallyholloway.bsky.social · 14d

This year I will be leading the Cabinets of Curiosity project for History undergraduates at @uni-of-warwick.bsky.social - find out more about the project here, and come and join us! warwick.ac.uk/fac/arts/his...

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Modern Records Centre, University of Warwick @mrcwarwick.bsky.social · 15d

We really enjoyed sharing the MRC’s ‘Mining the Past’ project with visitors to the Miners’ Hall, Barnsley, during last week's #HeritageOpenDays - some good new connections made and really useful feedback which will help us to develop new resources and events using the NUM archives

Photograph of the Miners' Hall, Barnsley. Five people are looking at copies of documents and filling in feedback forms by a big table (the former Yorkshire Area council table). Trade union banners from the National Union of Mineworkers, Yorkshire Miners' Association and National Association of Colliery Overmen, Deputies and Shotfirers can be seen in the background.

Photograph of the Miners' Hall, Barnsley. One person is sitting at a bi table and using a laptop to look at some digitised archives. Copies of documents are in front of her, on a board and on the table.

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