Find out what’s on this autumn at one of Clerkenwell’s hidden treasures: the Marx Memorial Library & Workers’ School.
By Meirian Jump, MML Director
On Clerkenwell Green sits one of the area’s hidden treasures: the Marx Memorial Library & Workers’ School. Founded in 1933, the Library has spent almost a century promoting education, community history and international solidarity. Inside its historic building you’ll find everything from rare socialist books to letters written by volunteers who fought in the Spanish Civil War. But it’s not just an archive — the Library is also a lively cultural and learning space, open to everyone.
This autumn it is hosting a busy programme of events for local residents, students, trade unionists and anyone curious about the history of Clerkenwell or the big issues facing our society today.
Things kick off in mid-September with a special Open House day, when visitors can explore the building for free. Highlights include the Lenin Room, where the Russian revolutionary worked during his time in London, a striking 1930s mural, and an exhibition on Clerkenwell’s radical past.
A few days later, on 17 September, there’s a free online taster class on Marx and Marxism. This gives newcomers a chance to meet the Library’s tutors and see whether they’d like to sign up for one of the Library’s short online courses later in the term. Courses this year cover topics such as women at work and in trade unions, the history and role of trade unions more broadly, and an introduction to the ideas of Karl Marx.
One of the season’s big events comes on 20 September, when the Library joins with the Workers’ Music Association and the Society for Cooperation in Russian and Soviet Studies to celebrate the 125th anniversary of radical composer Alan Bush. The day will include talks, a display from the archives, and a chance to hear one of Bush’s dramatic radio works from the 1950s.
On 19 September, in partnership with Bart’s Fair and the Museum of London, the Library will also host a creative placard-making workshop called Learning from the Past to Change the Future. Participants will look at stories from the Library’s collections to inspire new designs for protest today.
Other events tackle urgent issues of the present day. On 9 October, economist Michael Roberts will give a talk on the world economy and Britain’s place within it — a chance to get beyond the headlines to understand what is driving the current cost-of-living and global crises. On 16 October, an online discussion will look at how local trade union branches and trades councils can bring communities together to stand up against division.
Closer to home, the popular Reds on the Green history series, run with Islington Heritage, returns this autumn. On 23 October, Professor Ruth Kinna will talk about William Morris and his ideas on politics and art. On 20 November, Dr Vic Clarke will explore the story of the Chartists in Clerkenwell — a movement that campaigned for democracy and workers’ rights in the 19th century, right on the Library’s doorstep.
The Library’s famous book sale is also back on 18 October, offering everything from second-hand pamphlets to bargain socialist classics. It’s a chance to pick up something unusual for your bookshelf while supporting the Library’s work.
November will bring a major discussion on imperialism — looking at questions of empire and inequality in the modern world — alongside a special display of documents from the Library’s archives.
Alongside the public programme, the Library is expanding its work with schools and young people. This autumn it will pilot a teacher training session on the anti-apartheid movement, run student workshops, and open its Reading Room to researchers three days a week. It is also producing new short films on the 1926 General Strike in partnership with Brunel University, and will host a series of Conservation for Well-being workshops supported by the City Bridge Trust.
Meanwhile, the annual “Introduction to Trade Unionism” day for young RMT members will once again bring the next generation of activists into Clerkenwell.
All of this activity shows how the Marx Memorial Library remains both a guardian of local history and a living hub of ideas and culture. Whether you’re interested in Clerkenwell’s radical past, want to learn something new, or just fancy picking up a book at the sale, the Library offers a warm welcome.
Full details of the autumn programme, including how to book, can be found on our website.
