George Potter (1832-1893). In 1854 he became secretary, and in 1858 chairman, of the Progressive Society of Carpenters and Joiners in London. Potter wanted to unite the various building trade unions and in 1859 organised a Building Trades Conference which led to a strike and a lockout over a claim for a nine-hours day.

In 1861, Potter established a trade union weekly newspaper the 'Bee-Hive' which for a while became the organ of the London Trades Council. Following a dispute with the Council, Potter established The London Working Men's Association in 1866. He attended the first two Trades Union Congresses and in 1871 was elected president of the TUC and chairman of its Parliamentary Committee. In 1873, Potter was elected to the London School Board, but was unsuccessful as a Liberal Party candidate in various Parliamentary elections. Sales of the 'Beehive' declined and when it folded in 1878, he was declared bankrupt.

Title	George Potter (1832-1893)
Maker	--
Production Date	1850-1880
Format	Engraving
Copyright	--
Holding Institution	TUC Library Collections, London Metropolitan University
Related Objects	--