COOPERATIVE

Reading Cooperative Society Limited came into existence in the 1860s, as ‘Reading Industrial Co-operative Society’. A nice piece of ephemera from the high-tide mark of the co-operative movement. No other copy has been traced. 50 x 68 cm. A striking and attractive production in six columns, printed in red, olive-green and grey-black, and black, with border of raspberry leaves, calendar split between the outer edges. Large illustration of ‘Llandudno and the Great Orme’ beneath the heading ‘Each for all, & all for each.

Both items in good condition, lightly aged. ONE: 3 March 1884. 1p, 12mo. Addressed to 'Dear Mr. Kynnersley'. Having received Kynnersley's undated letter he writes: 'I shall meet Blandford as you propose on the 11th. with very great pleasure. He was one of the heroes on whom I used to look with awe as a 3rd. form boy in 1834 in which year I joined & he I think left Rugby.' He is sitting at Congleton on the day of the meeting, and 'there is just a chance that some perverse suitor may be in full blast at my train time in which case (as I never leave a cause part heard) I may be late'.

One page, 20 x 32.5cm (sm. fol.), minor creasing and wear, fold mark at centre. With biographical details, description of the proposed statue with photograph of the model to be transformed (Owen protecting child), officers of the Committee, and at bottom, blank form for a donation (concluding "Cooperative Union Ltd" - imprint presumably).

[2] + 66pp., 8vo. Stapled. With loose front and back covers of green printed wraps. In fair condition, on aged paper, with rusted staples and the two loose covers heavily chipped and worn. With labels, shelfmark and stamps of the Board of Education Reference Library. The first part is titled 'Results of the Investigation', and is in eight parts, including 'The Church', 'The Secret Society', 'Benficial and Insurance Societies' and 'Cooperative Business'. The second part includes 'Papers Submitted to the Conference' by H. H. Proctor, Dr H. R.

Four pages, fol., tear on fold marks, other defects but text clear and complete. The ten signatories also include W. Morrison (presumably the philanthropist, Walter), T[homas]. Brassey, R.M. [Castor?], Auberon Herbert ("the originator of Voluntaryism" (Wikipedia - see alos DNB), Hodgson Pratt (Peace advocate (DNB), [P.H. Hillard?], Edw. Owen Greeening, Tito Pagliardini and another (undeciphered). A socialist project concerning which I have found little information.