POWER….. To the People
Debbie nominated POWER as the word for here Sunday Challenge, and suggested we keep the topic whilst she is away on her travels. The Link to her Blog is here:- https://travelwithintent.com/-
So here is my Power suggestion No.5.
The Mural is on the side of a Derby Public House, it was never a Silk Mill. A much older building adjacent, is the actual Silk Mill (also known at times as Lombe’s Mill, the Italian Mill and now the Museum of Making). The Silk Mill was built on an island in the River Derwent and opened in 1721 and was the first fully water powered textile Mill.
In 1833 unrest amongst the workers soon developed and in 1834 a Strike of some 800 workers. The news spread throughout the textile industry with a ‘lockout’ of over 2500 workers. Noisy protest followed, the roots of an organised workers movement was created, electing negotiators and organised mass protest of support. The grievances were eventually resolved, but those seeds for a collective movement to support workers rights defined.
The Derby Lockout as it had became known grew into a British Labour Organisation. A champion for improved conditions, wages and rights. Eventually the Trade Unions Movement was formed.
The Mural was created in 1986 by a group of Local Community Artist.
The Mill has continued to play a major part in Derby’s Industrial Heritage. Today it is a ‘Museum of Making’. Celebrating all the Industries that have created Derby’s wealth and employment together with the technological manufacturing progress that continues today.
Collective support is always important… and each of us can help by always trying to….
Please Remember ….
Stay Safe …. Be Kind…. Look After Each Other
25th October
(C) David Oakes 2026
