IDENTITY STATEMENT
Reference code(s): GB 2159 London Log
Held at: University of the Arts London: London College of Fashion
Title: London Time Log
Date(s): 1891-1937
Level of description: Collection (fonds)
Extent: 1 filing cabinet drawer
Name of creator(s): Lawrence | William | Cooling | fl 1891-1937 | tailor
CONTEXT
Administrative/Biographical history:
The time log was a method of evaluating and paying for the work of tailors and tailoresses, and was an attempt to deal with industrial unrest at the end of the 19th century. Detailed lists of times allocated for the making of designated garments were set out, for example dress and frock coats. In some parts of the country the log created more problems than it solved, but the system was adopted in London and log books were produced for every type of garment including alterations. Machine logs, deducting times for operations when sewing machines were used, were also given. The log was agreed to by various trade unions, including the Association of London Master Tailors, the Amalgamated Society of Tailors and the London Society of Tailors. It was considered and amended by a Conciliation Board and new editions produced. The board met to consider the log and matters affecting the salaries and working conditions of tailors and tailoresses.
The log covered gentleman's coats, waistcoats, trousers, breeches and livery, uniforms, ladieswear, naval, court and diplomatic dress. The London Log continues to exist as a method of payment for piecework and is negotiated annually between the Federation of Merchant Tailors and the National Union of Tailors and Garment Workers. It operates in a closely defined geographical area for all workers, and corresponds approximately with the W1 postcode area and Knightsbridge.
William Cooling Lawrence was President of the Association of London Master Tailors and Chair of the Joint Log Committee.
CONTENT
Scope and content/abstract:
Records relating to the London Log Conciliation Board, 1891-1937, comprising papers and correspondence of William Cooling Lawrence, President of the Association of London Master Tailors and Chair of the Joint Log Committee, namely copies of the London Log, some annotated with amendments, 1891-1935; agenda and papers relating to the Conciliation Board meeting, 1922; papers relating to the Conciliation Board, 1923; papers relating to the annual general meeting of the Amalgamated London Master Tailors, 1924; minutes, correspondence and papers of the Conciliation Board, 1925, relating to demands by the Amalgamated London Master Tailors and National Federation of Merchant Tailors (London) for an increase in rates; Conciliation Board reports and papers, 1925; working papers and correspondence relating to the log, 1894-1895; press cuttings and correspondence, 1892, 1908-1912, concerning the London Log committee;
correspondence, [1910-1937], concerning a dispute between the London Society of Tailors and Tailoresses and Thomas & Son, [1910]; dispute over machine work at Kerslake & Dixon, 1911; definition and classification of fabric with the Association of London Master Tailors, 1910; hours of employment of women, 1914-1915; relating to the log, agreements and revisions, 1909-1931;
minutes and correspondence of the Emergency Committee relating to the supply of work to unemployed tailors and tailoresses due to the war, 1914-1915; papers concerning a strike by London Tailors and workshop accommodation, 1912; papers, correspondence and draft report relating to Sub-Committee of the Retail Bespoke Tailoring Trade Board on conditions in certain workshops, [1922-1924]; papers relating to tailoring apprenticeships, 1927-1937;
papers relating to the establishment of Area Committees of the Retail Bespoke Tailoring Trade Board, [1922]; correspondence relating to the Association of London Master Tailors, [1921-1922], including attempted extension of membership.
ACCESS AND USE
Language/scripts of material: English
System of arrangement:
The records are unsorted.
Conditions governing access:
Access to the collection is by appointment only.
Conditions governing reproduction:
No photocopying is permitted although photographs may be taken at the discretion of the Head of Learning Resources.
Physical characteristics:
Finding aids:
The records are uncatalogued.
ARCHIVAL INFORMATION
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling information:
Accruals:
Archival history:
The donor of the papers, Robert J Bright, was a governor of London College of Fashion. His company "Wells" was a successor to "J.C.Wells, Cooling Lawrence & Wells, Cordas and Bright", of which William Cooling Lawrence was a partner.
Immediate source of acquisition:
Donated by Robert J Bright, of Wells Tailors and Shirtmakers, Savile Row, London in 1990 on the move of the company from Saville Row.
ALLIED MATERIALS
Existence and location of originals:
Existence and location of copies:
Related material:
Publication note:
DESCRIPTION NOTES
Note:
Archivist's note: Compiled by Julie Tancell as part of the RSLP AIM25 project.
Date(s) of descriptions: July 2002