‘Friendly fire, target (Margaret Thatcher), 1989’ by Anna Fox HonFRPS
There is a little poetic licence applied to the exhibition The 80s: Photographing Britain. While the title suggests it focuses on a decade of life in the UK, a good few images from the 1970s and 1990s bookend it.
More accurately, the Tate Britain exhibition traces the major developments of photography during the Thatcher era of 1976-1993.
Either way, the exhibition is a pick ’n’ mix of defining moments, cultural and political trends, and personal histories by more than 70 lens-based artists. The line-up includes RPS Honorary Fellows Ajamu X, Anna Fox, Joy Gregory and Albert Watson, as well as Chris Killip and Maud Sulter.
From a cut-out portrait of Margaret Thatcher targeted by paint to Greenham Common protesters linking arms, from barbershop chic to a body builder in a bra, here are some of the highlights.
‘Body builder in bra, 1990’ by Ajamu X HonFRPS
‘‘Critch’ and Sean surveying the landscape, Seacoal Camp, Lynemouth, Northumberland, 1982’ by Chris Killip
‘Union Jack flag in tree, Country Tyrone, 1985’ by Paul Graham
‘Outside police station, Bethnal Green Road, London. Sit down protest against police racism, 1978’ by Paul Trevor
![10 Roy Mehta, From The Series Revival, London 1989 1993. Roy Mehta, Courtesy Of The Artist And L A [..]](https://rps.org/media/hneiowyp/10-roy-mehta-from-the-series-revival-london-1989-1993-roy-mehta-courtesy-of-the-artist-and-l-a.jpg?mode=max&width=1520&rnd=133808287862000000)
From the series Revival, London 1989-1993 by Roy Mehta/LA Noble Gallery
‘Greenham Common, 14 December 1985’ by Melanie Friend/Format Photographers
‘Nidge and Laurence kiss in front of the flames during the Poll Tax Riots, London, 1990’ by David Hoffman
‘Terpsichore (Delta Streete)' from the series Zabat by Maud Sulter/Estate of Maud Sulter/DACS
‘Magenta dress with pink tulips, 1984’ by Joy Gregory HonFRPS/DACS
The 80s: Photographing Britain is at Tate Britain, London, until 5 May 2025. Book tickets at tate.org.uk
The RPS Journal is available exclusively to members. Join us to receive our award-winning magazine and read more inspiring features. Explore full member benefits here.