Livesey Collection

Named in honour of Joseph Livesey, one of the early teetotal pioneers and founder of the Education Institution now known as the University of Central Lancashire, the Livesey Collection forms an internationally significant resource for the study of the Temperance Movement.

In 1987, the Livesey Collection transferred to the University of Central Lancashire from the British National Temperance League in Sheffield.  Since then it has been enriched by donations from temperance groups and individuals.

The collection is made up of a significant number of journals, monographs, bound collections of pamphlets and other non-textual items. These include lantern slides, posters, banners, textiles, crockery and ephemera. The collection represents temperance societies and culture from the 19th century onwards, from Band of Hope groups to the Rechabite Friendly Societies. Also included in the collection are works relating to non-conformist religious groups in the Preston area.

Most items in the Livesey Collection are listed in Library Search. Any items which have been digitised are available through the University Repository.

The Demon Drink project

The Demon Drink Project launched in 2012. It was a partnership project between the University of Central Lancashire and the People’s History Museum.

It included exhibitions at The People’s History Museum, Manchester and St George’s Shopping Centre, Preston. There were also a variety of related events and activities.

The ‘Temperance and the working class’ project is directed by Dr Annemarie McAllister and funded under the ‘Your Heritage’ programme of The Heritage Lottery Fund.

Demon Drink digitised content

From the Livesey Collection01 / 04

Related pages

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    A Preston researcher with expertise in the history and legacy of the UK temperance movement is to appear on the renowned BBC Radio 4 programme ‘In Our Time‘.

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    Temperance Heritage

    Preston was the birthplace of the teetotal temperance movement in 1832, and UCLan is the home of the internationally significant Livesey Collection of temperance history material. This project explores the social history and heritage of the temperance movement, and its relevance ...

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    UCLan has been presented with a plaque dedicated to Joseph Livesey, the man who co-founded the institution that became the University as we know it today.

    Thursday 8 February 2018
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