Home > Europe > United Kingdom > England > London > Towns > The Hyde
The General Strike - peeling potatoes in Hyde Park
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
The General Strike - peeling potatoes in Hyde Park
A Snap-Shot of Striketime Society: Lady Mary Ashley-Cooper and Lady Carmichael-Anstruther peeling potatoes in Hyde Park. Front cover of The Sketch emergency issue produced during the General Strike of May 1926. In support of a strike by coal miners over the issue of threatened wage cuts, the Trades Union Congress called a General Strike in early May 1926. The strike only involved certain key industrial sectors (docks, electricity, gas, railways) but, in the face of well-organised government emergency measures and lack of real public support, it collapsed after nine days. During the strike, society ladies were given much publicity for helping out at the canteens set up in Hyde Park, London, to feed food transport workers. Lady Mary Ashley-Cooper was the eldest daughter of the Earl and Countess of Shaftesbury and Lady Carmichael-Anstruther was the wife of Sir Frederick Carmichael-Anstruther, 10th baronet of Nova Scotia, and 7th of Great Britain
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 4400553
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10223064
10th Anstruther Ashley Baronet Canteens Carmichael Coal Collapsed Congress Cooper Countess Cuts Days Docks Eldest Electricity Emergency Feed Frederick Helping Hyde Involved Lack Measures Miners Nova Organised Peeling Potatoes Publicity Railways Real Scotia Sectors Shaftesbury Strike Support Trades Wage 1926
EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph captures a moment of solidarity and community during the tumultuous General Strike of May 1926. The image, which graced the front cover of The Sketch's emergency issue, depicts Lady Mary Ashley-Cooper and Lady Carmichael-Anstruther engaging in a simple yet symbolic act of peeling potatoes in Hyde Park. The General Strike was a pivotal moment in British history, as the Trades Union Congress called for a nationwide work stoppage in support of coal miners facing threatened wage cuts. Although the strike only affected key industrial sectors such as docks, electricity, gas, and railways, it was met with well-organized government emergency measures and lacked significant public support. Amidst the chaos, society ladies like Lady Mary Ashley-Cooper and Lady Carmichael-Anstruther gained widespread attention for their efforts to help out at the canteens set up in Hyde Park to feed food transport workers. Their involvement served as a reminder of the unity and compassion that could emerge during times of hardship. Lady Mary Ashley-Cooper, the eldest daughter of the Earl and Countess of Shaftesbury, and Lady Carmichael-Anstruther, the wife of Sir Frederick Carmichael-Anstruther, 10th baronet of Nova Scotia and 7th of Great Britain, demonstrated their commitment to the cause and their desire to make a difference in their community. This powerful image encapsulates the spirit of unity and resilience that defined the General Strike, as ordinary people came together to support one another during a time of great adversity.
MADE IN THE UK
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Basket.
