Photography of Protest and Community: The Radical Collectives of the 1970s

In the 1970s, a group of London-based photographers formed collectives to engage with political protest in cities across the UK. They were inspired by counterculture and sought to create their own magazines and exhibition networks. This book explores the radical community photography produced by these collectives, who aimed to make the invisible visible by bringing the disenfranchised and marginalised into the political debate.

Format: Hardback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 19 October 2020
Publisher: Lund Humphries Publishers Ltd

In the vibrant 1970s, a group of photographers based in London came together to form collectives that actively engaged with political protests happening both locally and internationally across the UK. These collectives were driven by a shared passion for counterculture and a desire to forge new paths in the realm of photography. Their mission was to create their own magazines, exhibition networks, and platforms to showcase their politicized photographic and textual commentary on the re-imagining of British cities in the post-war period. With unwavering determination, they sought out unconventional spaces such as community centres, laundrettes, Working Men's Clubs, polytechnics, and nurseries to exhibit their work, ensuring that their message reached a wider audience.

The Hackney Flashers Collective, Exit Photography Group, Half Moon Photography Workshop, and the community darkrooms, North Paddington Community Darkroom, and Blackfriars Photography Project, were among the notable collectives that emerged during this era. These groups not only produced exceptional photography but also played a crucial role in shaping a history from below, positioning themselves outside of the established mainstream media and advocating for the inclusion of marginalized voices in the political discourse.

Through extensive archival research, interviews, and the discovery of previously unseen photographic and ephemeral material, this book delves into the remarkable story of these collectives. It explores how they harnessed the power of photography to shed light on the experiences of the disenfranchised and marginalized, challenging the dominant narratives of the time. By bringing these individuals into the political debate, they aimed to create a sense of visibility and empowerment, fostering a more inclusive and just society.

The photographers of these collectives were visionaries who pushed the boundaries of their craft. They experimented with new techniques, such as laminated panel exhibitions, which were sturdy enough to withstand the rigors of circulation on British Rail's Red Star parcel network. Their innovative approach to publishing and exhibiting their work not only showcased their talent but also challenged the traditional hierarchies of the art world.

In conclusion, the 1970s saw the rise of a vibrant community of photographers in London who used their art to challenge the status quo. Through their collective efforts, they created a history from below, positioning themselves outside of established mainstream media and advocating for the inclusion of marginalized voices in the political debate. Their innovative approach to photography, publishing, and exhibition, coupled with their unwavering commitment to social justice, left an indelible mark on the world of art and society. This book serves as a testament to their legacy and the power of collective action in shaping a more inclusive and equitable future.

Weight: 982g
Dimension: 197 x 257 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781848224094