Our Greenham

Artworks, Halifax

A Halifax arts organisation is celebrating 40 years since women first arrived at Greenham Common with an exhibition featuring objects made at and for the peace camp’s protest activities.

The “Our Greenham” exhibition is on display at Artworks - an art school, gallery space and artist studios based in Halifax - and has been curated by Calder Valley CND.

Featuring objects from The Peace Museum’s collection, the exhibition contains artifacts and memorabilia from

the people of the Calder Valley who spent time at the camp. Alongside the exhibition, Artworks wil be hosting a series of creative workshops exploring the theme of protest and looking at how art and activism can be used together to make positive change. Lauren Iredale, director at Artworks, said: “We feel extremely privileged to be able to show the Our Greenham exhibition, particularly given that 2021 marks 40 years since the peace camp was formed.

“This historical exhibition features many objects of activism including zines, publications

and textiles banners, showing the important role that art plays in protest.

“Throughout history, protest has been used as powerful tool for change and it is as important today as it was when the Greenham camp was first established. We hope that the exhibition and associated workshops will help more people to explore how art and protest can be used to allow under-represented voices to be heard and bring about monumental societal change.”

The Greenham Common peace camp was set up in 1981 to protest the British Government’s

decision to store nuclear weapons on the site in Berkshire. It remained in place for 19 years and is one of the longest and most famous examples of feminist protest. Catherine Bann, from Calder Valley CND, said Our Greenham was originally created to curate the memories of the many local women and supporters involved in Greenham Common, and the space at Artworks had allowed them to expand the display.

The exhibition is available to view by appointment or between 10am and 2pm on Thursdays and Fridays.