Museum Artefacts

Robert Owen set up labour exchanges where people could exchange goods that they had made. This printing plate was used to make Labour Notes, which were used in place of money, showing the number … Read more

Legally, every co-operative society had to have its own seal. Placing a seal on a document would make it legally binding and for this reason they were kept very carefully. Two key holders needed … Read more

One of the founding principles of the Rochdale Equitable Pioneers Society was that of honest weights and measures. The Co-operative Wholesale Society eventually had its own scale-making department where it manufactured a variety of … Read more

The Co-operative Wholesale Society began manufacturing bicycles in 1908. In 1920 the first cycle factory was purchased in Tysely. The Co-operative Wholesale Society was well known for the manufacture of bikes and for many … Read more

Major co-operative celebrations were held every year at places like Belle Vue in Manchester and the Crystal Palace in London. These shields were awarded to the winners of choir competitions. The shield reads: ‘Given … Read more

Major co-operative celebrations were held every year at places like Belle Vue in Manchester and the Crystal Palace in London. These shields were awarded to the winners of choir competitions.The shield reads: ‘The Co-operative … Read more

The ‘unity is strength’ slogan, paired with the wheat sheaf symbol, is a well-known image of the co-operative movement. One ear of wheat cannot stand-alone but with others, in a wheat sheaf, it stands … Read more

This plaque was donated to the museum in 2000 and was originally made to commemorate the Rochdale Equitable Pioneers Society centenary in 1944. The famous wheat sheaf symbol is once again present in the … Read more

This bicycle was made in 1947 by the Co-operative Wholesale Society. The model number is 7/22” and the frame number is 29929. It has a Lycett seat and came to the museum with a … Read more

This heater was made by the Co-operative Wholesale Society and although not a great deal is known about it, it stands as an example of the electric goods on sale. Placed in a cabinet … Read more