The Co-operative Union (initially known as the Co-operative Central Board and now known as Co-operatives UK) was established in 1870. The establishment followed a decision at the 1869 Co-operative National Congress to establish a central body that would work on behalf of its member co-operative societies and mutuals in order to promote the activities of those members, offer group support and a forum for exchange of best practice. Co-operatives UK was launched in January 2003 following the merger of the Co-operative Union and the Industrial Common Ownership Movement (ICOM) in December 2001, as "the central membership organisation for co-operative enterprise throughout the UK"" (Co-operatives UK website, Oct 2007). The purpose of Co-operatives UK is "to promote, develop and extend co-operative enterprise" (Co-operatives UK website, Oct 2007), through adhering to the values and principles of the wider co-operative movement. It is, in turn, a member of the International Co-operative Alliance, based in Geneva that aims to protect and extend the work of co-operatives internationally.
These photographs belonged to the Information Department of the Co-operative Union, providing a photographic stock for use in various publications. These included the monthly Co-operative Review (Aug 1926 - 1987) as well as one off publications. The photographs therefore cover a wide range of subjects, through which one can identify co-operative activities and commemorative events, such as delegate visits. The international photographs were used for the same purpose and allow the user to compare conditions and activities of co-operatives of different nationalities.
From the guide to the Co-operative Union Photographic Collection, c.1930 - 1980, (National Co-operative Archive)
