Industrial And Transport

An Awakening: The Threads of Luddism

Archipelago will deliver a participatory heritage programme exploring the legacy of the Luddite Uprisings and their contemporary relevance, marking the 215th anniversary of this pivotal socio-industrial history. In partnership with Leeds Industrial Museum (LIM), the project responds to gaps in public understanding of Luddism and connects contemporary debates of technology, labour and workers’ rights. Through oral history gathering, heritage craft skill-sharing - including textiles and folk songs - and accessible digital storytelling tools, over 300 participants will explore how technological change has shaped work from 1811 to now. The project will generate new heritage material, informing interpretation and contributing to LIM’s exhibition programme, generating six new permanent collection items, and a digital archive, reaching over 75,000 people, foregrounding voices often absent from heritage narratives - including women, migrants, working-class and LGBTQ+ communities - the project strengthens public understanding of industrial heritage and creates lasting legacy of participation, ownership and pride.