Co-Op’s History Celebrated Through Online Exhibition

From its opening in 1861, the Barnsley British Co-Operative society had a massive impact on the town.  Providing many happy memories for shoppers and workers, it was more than just a local store.

To celebrate the institution, Barnsley Archives and Local studies have created a fascinating and extensive digital exhibition, which will be launched on Monday, 28 March.

Found on the Barnsley Museums webpage, digital visitors will be treated to archive images, historical facts, and plans, some of which will be seen for the very first time.

To coincide with the launch of the online exhibition, there will be a week of digital content shared on the Barnsley Museum social media pages. It will include film and photographs from the archive’s collections.

There will also be Co-Op related objects on display in Experience Barnsley Museum, the town centre museum which tells the story of the town.

Cllr Tim Cheetham, Cabinet Spokesperson for Place (Regeneration and Culture) said: “The Co Op was a really important part of Barnsley’s communities and touched people lives in many ways. It’s right that such an important institution is remembered and celebrated; this online exhibition is a perfect way to do it. It can be accessed easily by people locally and beyond and links to the museums extensive online catalogue.  We are extremely lucky to have such an outstanding archives collection that captures and preserves our boroughs very important history.”