Optional activity before the broadcast

Illustrations of women working in a matchstick factory. There are three different illustrations of different tasks. Women are standing next to tables with machinery and tools and working with their hands.
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Illustrated London News, 1888. Catalogue ref: ZPER 34/93

During the event, a variety of documents will be displayed on the screen for each of the three stories. One of the documents we will refer to for the Irish migration story is the below document from The Illustrated London News. It shows women and girls undertaking different stages of the match making process at the Bryant and May factory. If time permits, you may find it useful to print out copies of this image and discuss the following questions with your students:

  • Describe the types of work you can see in the image.
  • Can you spot any potential dangers?
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  • Describe the types of work you can see in the image.
  • Can you spot any potential dangers?