We’re thrilled to announce our new exhibition display at Rochdale Pioneers Museum! We’re proud of being a Co-operative, so it’s a real honour to be at the home of Co-ops, showcasing what we do to take action on sustainable fashion. Stitched Up have been proud members of the co-operative movement from day one – co-operation is central to everything that we do.
The British co-operative movement has its roots in this region’s industrial past, with the Rochdale Pioneers creating one of the first really successful British co-operatives in 1844, in order to help clothing and textile workers access decent, affordable food.
Wages were low for those labouring in the textile industry at that time, and unemployment very common. Shop owners often added non-food ‘fillers’ to foods to increase their own profit margins – at the expense of their customers’ health. And some workers were paid in tokens which could only be spent at the company’s own shops, rather than money. Because only landowners could vote at the time, the workers had no option to call on the government for change.
So the Rochdale Pioneers stepped in and set up a food co-op, with membership open to anyone who needed it (including women, a rare thing back then!), ensuring that people could access decent and affordable food. At first their shop only sold flour, oatmeal, butter and sugar, but soon the co-op grew and was able to support a bigger range of products. Because members were rewarded with a higher dividend the more the co-op earned, it incentivised members to shop there, creating an ever-better service for local people and helping the co-op to grow.
Our exhibition is also about the impact of the fast fashion industry, and how we can come together with collective action to improve the environmental impact, and material conditions of those who make our clothes. Co-operatives exist throughout the clothing supply chains, from cotton farmers to garment makers. The co-operative model is in direct contrast to the take-make-dispose fast fashion business model where profits are funnelled to a wealthy CEO at the top, while the employees manufacturing the clothes scrape by on poverty wages.
Sarah and Win did a great job making the display, definitely go check it out at Rochdale Pioneers Museum, where it’ll be until 31st May.
We’re also running a workshop at the venue on Saturday 17th May, 1-3. Tickets are available now for our street banner making workshop. Learn about cooperative action while either making your own “Stitch It Don’t Ditch It” sign, or learning to repair your own clothes.
