The MP for Salford and Eccles and ex-Labour Cabinet minister Hazel Blears has made a short film about her student holiday work at Salford’s Cussons soap factory.

The film was made a short film especially for the exhibition Colours, Community and Chemistry which opens next month at the People’s History Museum.

The exhibition is curated by A T Boyle, who wrote the novel from Pakistan to Preston, a fictional love story about teenagers Tommy O’Reilly and Sunehri Saleem set against the backdrop of real scientific processes in the making of artificial silk from wood.

It is a contemporary collaboration between regional artists and scientists featuring rare films, photos, words, research and textiles. This fascinating exhibition and accompanying events illuminates the north’s manufacturing foundations, at the same time as heralding its strong future.

The Cussons factory used to be just round the corner from the People’s History Museum, and Hazel had a student holiday job for three years at the soap factory.

A modern equivalent might be a local cappuccino counter. Hazel Blears’ warm and insightfulfour minute film, describes with wry humour the experiences of stamping and packing gift sets of soap, but most importantly working alongside others.

Watch the film and meet Hazel Blears. After the film, Hazel will be happy to speak to visitors. All are welcome to this free event at the People’s History Museum on Monday 22nd September at 5.30pm.

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