London's Ours! Book Celebrates GLC's Radical Art Against Thatcherism
Four Corners Books has published 'London's Ours! Images from The Greater London Council 1981-1986', a collection celebrating the visual output of the GLC under Ken Livingstone. The book, designed by Claire Mason, features posters, billboards, and publicity stunts that opposed Thatcherism. Cultural historian Hazel Atashroo provides commentary on the GLC's use of art for political activism, including campaigns against racism, sexism, and nuclear disarmament. Key artists include Peter Kennard, who led anti-nuclear campaigns, and the Docklands Community Poster Project by Loraine Leeson and Peter Dunn. The GLC's visual strategy contrasted with Thatcher's government, emphasizing community over individualism. The book documents ephemera such as festival posters, murals, and badges, highlighting the GLC's legacy in politicizing arts funding.
Key facts
- Four Corners Books published 'London's Ours! Images from The Greater London Council 1981-1986'.
- The GLC was a top-tier local government body from 1965-1986, won by Ken Livingstone in 1981.
- The GLC produced posters, billboards, and stunts to oppose Thatcher's neoliberalism.
- Peter Kennard led the GLC's anti-nuclear Peace Year visual campaign.
- The Docklands Community Poster Project by Loraine Leeson and Peter Dunn created photo-murals.
- The GLC supported community arts, murals, and festivals over elite institutions.
- The book's cover uses an image from the June 1984 Change Festival.
- The GLC was abolished in 1986 by Thatcher's government.
- The GLC's visual output included campaigns against racism, sexism, and homophobia.
- The book includes essays by cultural historian Hazel Atashroo.
Entities
Artists
- Hazel Atashroo
- Claire Mason
- Peter Kennard
- Loraine Leeson
- Peter Dunn
- John Heartfield
- Gavin Jantjes
- Lubaina Himid
- Chila Kumari Burman
- Keith Piper
- Shanti Panchal
- Ray Walker
- Ranking Ann
- Ken Livingstone
- Margaret Thatcher
- Max R. Kaufmann
Institutions
- Four Corners Books
- Greater London Council (GLC)
- Labour Party
- Conservative Party
- V&A Collection
- Whitechapel Gallery
- Brixton Recreation Centre
- Brixton Art Gallery
- Hackney Peace Carnival Mural
- Docklands Community Poster Project
- Lesbian and Gay Centre
- Saatchi & Saatchi
- Young & Rubicam
- British Gas
- It's Nice That
Locations
- London
- United Kingdom
- Brixton
- Dalston
- Docklands
- Westminster
- Mexico
- United States