Centre for Worktown Studies

Welcome to the Centre for Worktown Studies

Welcome to the Centre for Worktown Studies

The Centre for Worktown Studies promotes and supports academic research and public engagement activities around Bolton’s identity as Mass Observation’s ‘Worktown’. The Worktown project involved an in-depth study of everyday life in the Lancashire cotton town of Bolton between 1937 and 1940. The Worktown archive is an internationally renowned historical source of the social and cultural history of a northern British working class community.

The Centre has been designated a Good Practice Case Study of Higher Education Institute and Museum Collaboration by Renaissance North West. We are happy to meet and work with other researchers interested in Mass Observation’s Worktown.


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Subject area

worktown

Bolton Worktown

Welcome to Bolton

A Mass Observation team was established in Bolton in 1937 to produce a detailed written and photographic record of everyday life in Worktown.

The Spender Collection, which comprises approximately 800 images taken in Bolton (and Blackpool as the Mass Observation team travelled there to observe ‘Worktowners’ on holiday) remains in Bolton Museum` and is a social documentary photographic archive of national and international significance.

The Centre has been designated a Good Practice Case Study of HEI Museum collaboration by Renaissance North West. We are happy to meet and work with other researchers interested in Mass Observation’s Worktown.

News

Blog

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National Apprenticeship Week 2025 - Youth Worker

11 Feb 25

As part of Apprenticeship Week 2025, Joanne King, 46, a married mum of three, explains why she enjoys her apprenticeship with Bolton Council, in partnership with the University of Greater ManchesterBackgro...

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National Apprenticeship Week 2025

10 Feb 25

As part of National Apprenticeship Week 2025, which begins today (Monday 10 February) the apprentice team and apprentices from the University of Greater Manchester Group, along with partner Bolton Council, explain the benefits of...

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How entrepreneurs are helping our economy

23 Jan 25

Despite recent shifting opinions on immigration and how well our economy is faring; in a new book, “Migration and Entrepreneurship in ...

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Why it’s still worth getting into art even with AI

23 Jan 25

Billed as an artist exploring the quirks and wonders of AI, Alison Timmins has just completed her Artifacts exhibition at the Market Place’s Hive Gallery. But this University of...

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Creating a future that makes a real difference

17 Jan 25

Ramya and Tracy’s storyNo matter what your motivations are, launching a healthcare career will help you create a future that makes a real difference in people’s lives. In today’s piece, hear from two MBA students, Tracy Ib...

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How telemetry and data in motorsport is changing

13 Jan 25

If you’re considering attending the National Centre for Motorsport Engineering, you probably already understand the vital role teleme...

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Help Centre

We have the answers to your questions, find all the advice and support in one place.

Part of the University of Bolton Group

Bolton college
Alliance learning
Anderton centre2
QQA Scheme Participant