The Bristol exhibition ‘One Year! Photographs from the Miners’ Strike 1984-85’ aims to show the vital role of photography during the miners’ strike and coincides with its 40th anniversary.
The strikes, which began in Yorkshire, were led by the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) and its president, Arthur Scargill, against the National Coal Board (NCB), which was opposed by the Conservative government under Margaret Thatcher who aimed to reduce the power of the trade unions.
The exhibition includes photographs documenting the event alongside selected ephemera created in support of the miners, including posters, vinyl records, plates, badges and publications.
The exhibition is free and will be running until March 31. The Martin Parr Foundation is located at Paintworks, Bath Road, Bristol, BS4 3AR. The gallery is open to the public from Thursday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm.
Here are 18 photos from our visit to ‘One Year! Photographs from the Miners' Strike 1984-85’:
1. Thatcher
Margaret Thatcher is a pivotal figure in the story of the strikes
2. Unions and miners
The unions played an important role during the strikes and also part of the display.
3. Support
The miners received the camaraderie of support groups like Women Against Pit Closures and local hairdressers who offered cheap haircuts to striking miners and their wives.
4. Strikes and crowds
Images of the pamphlets used and large crowds drawn to the strikes are included in the display.