Sunday, February 03, 2008

Working Class Movement Library Founder, Ruth Frow.


Ruth Engel, political activist and book collector: born London 28 July 1922; died Bolton, Lancashire 11 January 2008.

Ruth Frow was the co-creator of the Working Class Movement Library and a political activist for over 60 years. The library, based in Salford, is an ecumenical collection covering the diversity of the British labour movement since the late 18th century, a statement of the richness and creativity of the left.

In the splendid Working Class Movement Library she founded with her husband Edmund, Ruth Frow, who has died aged 85, already has her lasting memorial. Originating in the Frows' shared love of labour history, by the 1980s the collection was bursting from every seam of their Manchester home. Fortunately, in 1987, neighbouring Salford council had the sense and public spirit to house the collection in the converted nursing home where it remains.

[Thanks KJP].

1 comment:

Michael said...

A celebration of the life and work of Ruth Frow will take place on Saturday 5 April beginning promptly at 2pm. The venue will be Peel Hall, University of Salford which is situated immediately opposite the library on the university campus. It is easily accessible by public transport. More details will be published on the library website very soon. www.wcml.org.uk. All are welcome to attend.