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On 25 April 1966 the first issue of the Morning Star announced “this is a unique daily newspaper. It is the only one in Britain independent of the handful of press lords who control the rest of the press.” Editor George Matthews adds that the paper is: “the only daily voice of the left.” Fifty years on these statements still ring true.
The Marx Memorial Library is proud custodian of a complete run of the Daily Worker and Morning Star dating back to the first issue in January 1930. Each day, we add to this rich resource. The MML looks forward to hosting the 50th birthday of the Morning Star on July 23.
And what better place to celebrate five decades of the paper? In our basement over 200 bound volumes of the Star are stacked high. They’ve been a priceless resource for workers, campaigners, students, writers and academics for decades.
Readers come from all over the world to take a look at these irreplaceable papers. Visitors trace the development of struggle, solidarity and labour movement campaigns, both in Britain and internationally or, proudly, look for photos or mentions of a family member, a tribute to their role in the movement.
Key struggles of the second half of the 20th century make their mark on successive front pages of the Morning Star, from Dagenham in 1968 to Grunwick 1976-8.
Early in 1972 day after day reports feature on the now celebrated Miners’ Strike: “Coalfields Solid,” “Swelling Support for Miners’ Strike,” “Dockers Boycott Coal Ships,” “Miners Picket at Power Stations,” “Pit MPs Plan Battle in House,” “Miners Wives Will Picket Heath Today,” “Davies ‘Minister of Disaster,” “Merseyside to Stop for a Day.”
The MML has begun digitising some of these issues. Using text recognition software, we are ensuring they are searchable online. A selection — including reports on the overthrow of the Portuguese dictatorship in 1974, the EU referendum the following year and of the Wapping dispute 30 years ago — are now available on our website.
Join us on July 23 for a special exhibition, panel discussion and entertainment. In 2066 we look forward to hosting the centenary bash!
- Meirian Jump is archivist and library manager of Marx Memorial Library & Workers’ School.
- www.marx-memorial-library.org/collections/the-daily-worker-and-morning-star-collection/daily-worker-morning-star-digitisation-project.
