Usurp is delighted that we are involved with the Grunwick 40 exhibition, “We are the Lions” that has been researched and curated by Poulomi Desai and organised by the Grunwick 40 group.
Forty years ago, a group of workers in a backstreet London factory stood up to their unfair bosses and kickstarted one of the longest and most important industrial disputes in British history. Led by Asian women, the Grunwick strike challenged stereotypes, changed the face of white, male trade unions, and inspired others to speak out against injustice…and this was just before punk in 1976. There are unseen photographs, huge banners, posters, soundtracks and stories that Poulomi has unearthed. Activism.
19 Oct 2016 to 26 March 2017
Brent Museum
The Library at Willesden Green
95 High Road
London NW10 2SF
“What you are running is not a factory, it is a zoo. But in a zoo there are many types of animals. Some are monkeys who dance on your fingertips. Others are lions who can bite your head off. We are the lions, Mr Manager.”
Jayaben Desai, leader of the Grunwick strike.
Grunwick 40 is a joint project run by Brent Trades Council and Willesden Green Town Team, in partnership with Brent Museum & Archives. It is set up to commemorate the 40 years of the Grunwick strike and funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Near Neighbours and donations from numerous individuals and organisations.
More info: https://grunwick40.wordpress.com