Review by Pat Harrington

This ground-breaking exhibition invites visitors to engage with the history and legacy of feminist movements in the United Kingdom. “Women in Revolt!” offers a transformative journey through time, highlighting the struggles and triumphs of women who dared to challenge societal norms.

One of the striking narratives highlighted in the exhibition is the Grunwick Strike, a defining moment in the annals of trade unionism and labour relations law. Set against the industrial backdrop of the Grunwick Film Processing Laboratories in Dollis Hill, London, between 1976 and 1978, this dispute captured the attention of the nation. Led by mostly female, immigrant East African Asian workers affectionately known as the “strikers in saris,” the Grunwick strikers exhibited remarkable resilience in their fight for trade union recognition and fair treatment. Their confrontations with the Metropolitan Police’s Special Patrol Group marked a significant juncture, as it was the first time this police unit had been deployed in an industrial dispute.

At the heart of the Grunwick Strike lay the issue of equal pay, echoing the broader struggles faced by women across the nation. Prior to the enactment of the Equal Pay Act in 1975, women endured significant wage disparities compared to their male counterparts. The Grunwick Strike, therefore, unfolded within the context of this ongoing battle for gender equality in the workplace. Despite facing staunch opposition from employers backed by right-wing groups, the strikers managed to secure concessions related to workers’ pay and pensions, although their ultimate goals remained elusive.

The exhibition also sheds light on the lives of women working in industrial settings, offering a sociological study conducted in a Bermondsey metal box factory. Here, the everyday challenges faced by female factory workers, including unequal pay, are brought to the forefront. Through this lens, visitors gain valuable insights into the realities of women’s lives beyond the factory gates, underscoring the significance of legislative measures like the Equal Pay Act of 1975 in providing a glimmer of hope amidst the struggles.

But “Women in Revolt!” extends far beyond the confines of individual factories, embracing the broader spectrum of feminist movements that swept through Britain during this era. Through various artistic mediums, activists contributed to pivotal changes for women, from the Wages For Housework campaign to the Reclaim the Night marches. These movements not only reshaped the feminist landscape but also left an indelible mark on British society as a whole.

As visitors navigate through the exhibition, they are invited to reflect on the progress made and the ongoing journey towards a more just and equitable society. “Women in Revolt!” celebrates the unwavering resilience of those who dared to challenge the status quo, weaving together stories of work, family, and activism in a vibrant tapestry of empowerment and change. There is much for trade unionists and those interested in Social Justice to ponder.

Women in Revolt! Art and Activism in the UK 1970-1990 is at Tate Britain, London, until 7 April 2024. It will then transfer to National Galleries Scotland: Modern, Edinburgh, 25 May 2024 to 26 January 2025 and the Whitworth Art Gallery, Manchester, 7 March to 1 June 2025