Social reform from the Poor Law to the post-war Welfare State...
Industrialisation in Britain in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries created a wealthier society, but its development was bought with high social costs. Although some people benefited, many of the workers lived in poor housing and had no access to education or health care. They worked long hours and often performed unhealthy or dangerous work in the mills and factories. Meanwhile, the countryside was plagued by failed harvests and land reorganisation by landowners, creating widespread poverty. Clearly changes needed to be made. This eTour will look at how individuals, organisations and governments have tried to improve conditions for the poorest in society.
The National Galleries of Scotland recently held two major exhibitions on the work of artists featured in this eTour - see the Joan Eardley and Basil Spence exhibition sections for more information.
