A new exhibition is highlighting feminist activism through banners
Women Making History brings together over 100 handmade banners originally created for a mass scale art initiative
Held in London, the new exhibition presents over 100 banners first commissioned in 2018 as part of Processions, a mass participation artwork organised by art events producer Artichoke and 14-18 NOW.
The occasion saw tens of thousands come together on the streets of Belfast, Cardiff, Edinburgh and London to coincide with the centenary of the women’s vote in the UK.
Creators and visual artists including Vivienne Westwood, Claudette Johnson and Sarah Maple were involved in the making of the banners, which encompass issues ranging from gender-based violence to reproductive and economic rights.
Though a markedly different context to the original Processions march, the banners are elevated to grand heights in the exhibition, filling the space like sails or house flags.
The show gives a rare opportunity to see the craft up close, which is difficult in march or protest settings, and it is accompanied by an app allowing visitors to look up each banner and discover additional detail, imagery and artist quotes.
Women Making History runs at London Scottish House in Westminster until July 11; londonscottishhouse.org