'Resistance' Exhibition Chronicles 100 Years of British Protests Through Powerful Photography
February 21, 2025
More than just a timeline of dissent, 'Resistance' presents a compelling narrative of social history, enriched by contributions from various writers in its accompanying book.
The exhibition 'Resistance' showcases a century of protest in Britain, tracing the journey from the suffragette movement's founding in 1903 to the Iraq war demonstrations in 2003.
The exhibition also discusses the impact of social media and technology on protests and photography, marking a significant shift in how images relate to truth.
Significant historical protests documented in the exhibition include the unemployment marches of the 1930s and the anti-racism movements of the 1970s.
Curated by Clarrie Wallis and conceived by Steve McQueen, the exhibition features a diverse collection of photographs that capture moments of defiance and social movements over the past 100 years.
The exhibition emphasizes individual stories alongside collective movements, featuring notable figures like Tony Benn and Bertrand Russell in significant protests.
Key protest events featured include the Newbury bypass occupation, the anti-Iraq war vigil by Brian Haw, and the Grunwick Dispute involving exploited female workers from 1976 to 1978.
Photographs are presented in black and white, inviting close inspection, and include a variety of sources ranging from personal snapshots to press images.
The exhibition highlights both well-known and largely forgotten protests, such as the 1911 demonstration against egret feathers and the 1920 petition by blind people for 'Justice not Charity'.
Photographers like Humphrey Spender and Christine Spengler captured poignant moments of resistance, including images of unemployed youth during the Great Depression and soldiers in Northern Ireland.
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The Guardian • Feb 21, 2025
Resistance review – a captivating century of protest and photography