National Graphical Association

Scope and Content

Minutes, 1969-85; some publications, 1968-80; national circulars and agreements, 1940-74 (MSS.39/NG; MSS.39G/NG and MSS.39K/NG). The archive also includes some branch records: Edwards the printer, Coventry Chapel, minutes 1973-80; the London Machine Branch, 1911-87.

Papers of R. Willis, joint general secretary of the NGA, 1939-63 (MSS.39F).

A further deposit made in July 2002 comprises: National Graphical Association Messenger Dispute, briefing document, 1983; videos NGA Graphically Speaking, 1982, Northern Newsreel, No.6, 1987; Recording a Piece of History, 1987; publications on proposed amalgamations with the Graphic Arts Union and SLADE, 1978-1981; various newspapers, 1970-1987.

Administrative / Biographical History

The National Graphical Association was formed in 1963 by the merger of the Typographical Association and the London Typographical Society. During the 1960s a number of smaller trade unions transferred their engagements to the National Graphical Association. These were the Association of Correctors of the Press in 1965, the National Union of Press Telegraphists in 1965, the National Society of Electrotypers and Stereotypers in 1967 and the Amalgamated Society of Lithographic Printers and Auxiliaries in 1969. In 1979 the National Union of Wallcoverings, Decorative and Allied Trades transferred its engagements to the National Graphical Association. The union merged with the Society of Lithographic Artists, Designers, Engravers and Process Workers in 1982 to form the National Graphical Association (1982).

Access Information

This collection is available to researchers by appointment at the Modern Records Centre, University of Warwick. See http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/services/library/mrc/using/

Acquisition Information

Accession 1193 was transferred from the Working Class Movement Library in 2017.

Other Finding Aids

Related Material

See also: Typographical Association, London Typographical Society, SOGAT, Graphical, Paper and Media Union (GPMU)