An Anti-Apartheid demonstration in Trafalgar Square (1962). Picture ©Museum of London and Henry Grant
Exhibition: Forward to Freedom, Museum of London, London, June 12 – September 6 2009
The Museum of London has collaborated with the Anti-apartheid Archives Committee to put together Forward to Freedom, an exhibition to celebrate the anti-apartheid movement's 50th anniversary.
Forward to Freedom examines a powerful and creative history in support of the people of Southern Africa, which culminated in 1994 with the inauguration of Nelson Mandela as South Africa's first democratically elected president.
"This display and partnership with Museum of London and the Bodleian Library reflects the ethos of collaboration demonstrated by the Anti-Apartheid Movement throughout its history," said Lord Hughes of Woodside, Labour MP and previous Chair of the Anti-Apartheid Movement.
Claudia Jones adresses crowds, Trafalgar Square (1962). Picture © Museum of London and Henry Grant
"Forward to Freedom is an expressive and thoughtful beginning to its 50th anniversary celebrations and a testament to its work and the passion and immense perseverance of its supporters in campaigning for equality in southern Africa. Today, its work is being carried on by its successor organisation, Action for Southern Africa (ACTSA)."
Annette Day, Senior Curator at Museum of London, was keen for the display to show the extraordinary imagination and commitment of the Anti-Apartheid Movement in its work to support the struggle against the injustice and brutality of the apartheid government.
"London has a long history as a centre and a national and international stage for protest," she observed. "The Anti-Apartheid Movement and all those who supported its work and attended its demonstrations occupy an important and vivid chapter in that history."
For more information on the exhibition and the Museum of London, visit the museum's website.
