We study the later effects of the Industrial Revolution and its consequences and how the 1851 Great Exhibition showcased manufacturing and invention, helping to bring about a rise in commercial enterprise and consumerism. 

This was a time of philanthropy and feminism with great women such as Florence Nightingale and her use of statistics; and the tireless work of social reformers such as Josephine Butler, who fought to bring about the repeal of the Contagious Diseases Act, and Caroline Norton’s huge input for the Married Women’s Property Act, despite her husband’s abuse.

We shall examine life at home and work, poverty, living conditions and sanitary reforms, as well as improvement in travel due to the Underground, and the colourful world of the Pre-Raphaelite painters and the Arts and Crafts Movement.

Illustrated with Powerpoint slideshows.

Formerly an Associate Tutor for CCE at the University of Sussex, Sarah Tobias is an experienced and sympathetic adult education tutor who started her teaching career 26 years ago at Rottingdean Whiteway Centre. She has a Diploma in European Humanities; BA Hons in History and European Humanities; Master’s Degree in Histories and Cultures and Certificates in Further Education Teaching. Sarah is a social, cultural and local historian and an established, experienced university lecturer, college tutor, public speaker (over 30 subjects), tour guide and writer. She is also an occasional dramatic narrator, costumed role player, playwright and filmmaker. https://sarah-tobias.blogspot.com/