Autumn 2026: Book Launch – Portrait of a Working Class Family (1835-1945)

Members:  £20
Non-members: £22

Please note that this class takes place on the first floor meaning there is unfortunately no step-free access.

Bernard Barker never knew his paternal grandfather, Herbert Barker. What began as an attempt to understand this elusive figure became a search for the hidden history of an entire family. As the story unfolded, it revealed poverty, family violence, the workhouse, war, migration and, ultimately, recovery across three generations.

In this illustrated launch event, Bernard introduces Portrait of a Working-Class Family, 1835–1945, tracing a family’s journey from Victorian Derby to wartime London. Through photographs, documents and contemporary images of the places in which they lived, he explores the lives of men, women and children whose experiences illuminate wider social changes in Britain. From overcrowded streets and workhouse wards to military service, suburban housing and new opportunities after the Second World War, the story follows ordinary people navigating extraordinary change.

The presentation will be followed by questions and discussion. Copies of the book will be available afterwards in return for a suggested contribution of £10 towards printing costs.