Resistance

21 Jun 2025-4 Jan 2026

Overview

How protest shaped Britain and photography shaped protest

Conceived by acclaimed artist and filmmaker Steve McQueen, Resistance explores how acts of resistance have shaped life in the UK, and the powerful role of photography in documenting and driving change.

This exhibition will bring together works by renowned photographers such as Vanley Burke, John Deakin, Fay Godwin, Edith Tudor-Hart, David Hurn, Tish Murtha, Humphrey Spender, and Paul Trevor, alongside lesser-known photographers who documented these powerful stories. Drawing photographs from various archives, collections and image libraries, McQueen has deliberately focused on moments captured before digital cameras became commonplace.

Presenting a century of activism, Resistance gives a voice to the stories and images from history which have been buried in UK archives until now. McQueen amplifies underrepresented voices to present a compelling exploration of overlooked histories, that will shed light on the forgotten stories of individuals whose contributions have helped define the course of Britain’s history. 

Organised by and originated at Turner Contemporary, Margate, and adapted for presentation at National Galleries Scotland: Modern Two.

Resistance is curated by Steve McQueen and Clarrie Wallis, with Emma Lewis. Political research is by Sarah Harrison. The exhibition is produced by Tessa Pierce, with assistance from Brittany Crombie.