Tate Britain, until May 5th 2025

Explore one of the UK’s most critical decades for photography, the 1980s. This exhibition traces the work of a diverse community of photographers, collectives, and publications that created radical responses to the turbulent Thatcher years. Set against the backdrop of race uprisings, the miner strikes, section 28, the AIDS pandemic, and gentrification – be inspired by stories of protest and change.

At the time, photography was used for social change, political activism and artistic and photographic experiments. See powerful images that gave voice and visibility to underrepresented groups in society. This includes work depicting the Black Arts Movement, queer experience, South Asian diaspora, and the increased representation of women in photography.

This exhibition examines how photography collectives and publications highlighted these often-unseen stories, featured in innovative photography journals such as Ten 8 and Cameraworks. It also examines the development of Autograph ABP, Half Moon Photography Workshop, and Hackney Flashers.

Metro Imaging collaborated for many months in production, utilizing a range of services including film scanning, printing, mounting and framing. There are over 250 works spread over ten rooms and if you get the chance it is well worth a visit.

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