Would you like to see a history-making group of local women commemorated in Grove Hall Park?
The Matchgirls Memorial would like your views on their proposal to put a statue commemorating the Matchgirls Strike of 1888 in Grove Hall Park.* Last year the charitable organisation worked with Tower Hamlets council to put an information panel about the strike in the park and now they’d like to follow this up with a statue.
They are considering a sculpture of three to four Matchgirls, probably a bit larger than life-size and on a low plinth so people can interact with them. Where in the park the sculpture would be is also up for discussion.
Fairfield Conservation Area Residents’ Association supports the proposal. But for it to go ahead, we need to show there’s wider community support. So please make your views known in the form below: we will use this information to support the application (which is why we’re asking for your postcode).
*The Matchgirls Strike was industrial action by the women and girls working at the Bryant & May match factory on Fairfield Road, in protest at their dangerous working conditions. After the successful strike they formed the Union of Women Matchmakers and spurred a wave of collective worker organisation. You can find out more about the Matchgirls Memorial here.
It’s a great idea. Perhaps turn the disused toilets under the Gladstone statue into a little museum.
I’ve been in the gents and apart from the missing fixtures is it’s in excellent condition and more importantly, bone dry.
So jealous you’ve seen the loos! A mini museum would be a great idea!