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A Statue to Honour the Matchgirls

Why do we need a statue?

 

  • No public memorial to the Matchgirls

  • Matchgirls laid the foundations for modern day labour movement and unionism

  • Matchgirls deserve a permanent memorial for their role in improving workers’ rights

 

There is a woeful lack of statues for females in the UK

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Total UK Public Statues             828

Non-fictional named women      65

Named ordinary non-Royals       27

Mary Seacole
Ada Salter
Lily Parr
Emmeline Pankhurst
Pie.JPG

Courtesy of: Public Monuments and Sculptor’s Association (data as April 2018)

What are we doing about it?

  • Formed a charity, ‘The Matchgirls Memorial’ in March 2019

  • Formed a team dedicated to make this happen (read about our Patrons, Ambassadors and Trustees)

  • We have the support of the Mayor of Tower Hamlets, John Biggs, London and South East Regional TUC, Unite the Union and the GMB

  • Working with the Tower Hamlets Council to identify potential sites - first inspection September 2019

  • Held an initial Community Open Day event at the Tower Hamlets Local History Library & Archives for all residents and local interest groups to gather their views

  • Will hold more community events to raise awareness and benefit local people

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