The project I Glasriket – Människan, miljön, framtiden (In the Kingdom of Crystal – Humans, Environment, Future) took place from 1978 to 1983. It was initiated by The Workers’ Educational Association in Lessebo and Nybro together with sections 2, 44 and 122 of the Swedish Factory Workers’ Union. The intention was to take action and tell one’s own story. Inspired by Gunnar Sillén’s book Stiga vi mot ljuset (Rising towards the light) (1977) around 30 study circles were organised to collect stories about life and work at the many glassworks in Småland. The result was a colourful history of working life and spare time, presented through 21 volumes, many exhibitions and a bus tour organised together with the Swedish Exhibition Agency. The accounts cover descriptions of everything from working conditions and life around the glassworks, to work, politics, spare time, society and the position of women in the male dominated communities around the works. Through these publications we are reminded of the many long struggles for rights and to organise communalities on one’s own terms.
Photo: Emmabodabygdens arkivförening
