Showing Resistance

This study charts how exhibitions were used for propaganda and political intervention during the two decades from 1933: giving urgent warnings against the rise of fascism, providing practical information about how to live frugally and signalling international political alignments, beliefs and affiliations. -- .

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How did exhibitions become a vital tool for public communication in early twentieth century Britain? Showing resistance reveals how exhibitions were taken up by activists and politicians from 1933 to 1953, becoming manifestos, weapons of war and a means of signalling political solidarities.

Drawing on dozens of examples mounted in empty shops, workers’ canteens, station ticket halls and beyond, this richly illustrated book shows how this overlooked form was created by significant makers including artists Paul Nash, John Heartfield and Oskar Kokoschka, architect Erno Goldfinger and photographer Edith Tudor-Hart.

Showing resistance is the first study of exhibitions as communications in mid-twentieth century Britain. -- .