Arthur T. Collinson (b. 1893): Habits, Culture & Belief

Arthur T. Collinson’s habit was work. Collinson was fully-immersed in working culture. Collinson believed in safe, steady work for all.

Yes, he did enjoy the occasional whisky – perhaps more than occasional – but the memoir focuses on Collinson’s working life and union involvement. There are no mentions of bowling greens, football pitches or even the theatre.

Again, it is quite a shame that no recreational activities are fully explored. I could imagine him going to the football, perhaps not the theatre. Then again, I don’t think I’ll ever know.

Bibliography:
‘Arthur T. Collinson’, in John Burnett, David Mayall and David Vincent eds The Autobiography of the Working Class: An Annotated, Critical Bibliography Brighton: Harvester, 1984, Vol.3, no. 30.
Arthur T. Collinson, ‘One Way Only: An autobiography of an Old-time Trade Unionist’ in Burnett Archive of Working Class Autobiography, University of Brunel Library, Special Collection, 3:30