Election Propaganda

Mass Observation worked with the Labour Party in Bolton during the January 1938 Farnworth by-election. They were interested in learning how propaganda could influence people’s opinions.

Mass Observation later used this knowledge to help the Ministry of Information develop propaganda during World War 2.

Leaflet for Labour Candidate George Tomlinson

Image copyright Adam Matthew Digital
Reproduced with permission by Mass Observsation

The leaflet includes Ethel Tomlinson’s appeal to female voters.

Election News

Image copyright Adam Matthew Digital
Reproduced with permission by Mass Observsation

Conservative candidate Herbert Ryan’s election newsletter.

Tomlinson's Election Special

Image copyright Adam Matthew Digital
Reproduced with permission by Mass Observsation

Labour candidate George Tomlinson’s election newsletter.

Analysis of Election Speeches

Image copyright Adam Matthew Digital
Reproduced with permission by Mass Observsation

A visual analysis of speeches made during the 1938 Farnworth by-election by speakers including Herbert Ryan and George Tomlinson.

Hear Hear Conservatives

Image copyright Adam Matthew Digital
Reproduced with permission by Mass Observsation

Topics which raised “Hear, Hear” from the audience during Conservative election speech.

Hear Hear Labour

Image copyright Adam Matthew Digital
Reproduced with permission by Mass Observsation

Topics which raised “Hear, Hear” from the audience during Labour election speech.

Herbert Ryan Polling Card

A leaflet showing voters how and where to vote for Conservative candidate Herbert Ryan on 27 January 1938.