Through history

Discover eight objects designed to challenge authority throughout human civilisation

Objects of protest and satire courtesty of Ian Hislop’s new exhibition at the British Museum

The British Museum’s new exhibition, I Object: Ian Hislop’s Search for Dissent, supported by Citi, features over 100 objects that challenge the status quo in societies and defy established narratives. Guest-curated by journalist, historian and broadcaster Ian Hislop and assisted by British Museum curator Tom Hockenhull, the items featured range from ancient Mesopotamia to the 2016 presidential election.

Many of these objects, from badges and prints to fine works of art, have been collected from all over the world and are on display for the very first time. The exhibition serves to highlight the power of objects and their potential to carry messages of dissent, subversion and satire that go against the mainstream of society.

While these messages are obvious for some objects, such as James Gillray’s satire of the future King George IV, others like Huang Yongyu’s paintings are more concealed in their manner, created in societies where dissent is dangerous.