Jo Lewington’s interest in human and economic patterns, led her to the factory floor and the extraordinary film that she made engaged the assistance of the textile workers. They became the camera operatives in her production, simply by doing what they do day in day out. This was a specific community that played a specific part. But this work was not made to empower the workers – it was made to articulate an artists vision. It is the intention and the approach that matters. The artist wrestled with the best way to work with the factory, to respect the workers and to convey her idea about time, work, routine and life. When it was shown in a local community centre, debate and discussion ensued – for all kinds of reasons – people recognised the type of machines in use, reminisced about their own working lives, argued about the meaning of the film. Watching the film broke up the day and people came together for a time and were comfortable in their workplace to express themselves.
