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Now booking Tate Britain Exhibition

The 80s: Photographing Britain

Until 5 May 2025

Free for Members

Book tickets Become a Member

Ting A Ling, from Handsworth Self Portrait, 1979 © Derek Bishton, Brian Homer & John Reardon

Explore powerful photography in a decade of social and political change

Watch the exhibition trailer

Explore one of the UK’s most critical decades, the 1980s. This exhibition traces the work of a diverse community of photographers, collectives and publications –creating radical responses to the turbulent Thatcher years. Set against the backdrop of race uprisings, the miner strikes, section 28, the AIDS pandemic and gentrification – be inspired by stories of protest and change.

At the time, photography was used as a tool for social change, political activism, and artistic and photographic experiments. See powerful images that gave voice and visibility to underrepresented groups in society. This includes work depicting the Black arts movement, queer experience, South Asian diaspora and the representation of women in photography.

This exhibition examines how photography collectives and publications highlighted these often-unseen stories, featured in innovative photography journals such as Ten 8 and Cameraworks. It will also look at the development of Autograph ABP, Half Moon Photography Workshop, and Hackney Flashers.

Visitors will go behind the lens to trace the remarkable transformation of photography in Britain and its impact on art and the world.

Martin Parr The Last Resort 23 From 'The Last Resort' 1983-1985 Tate Purchase 2002 © Martin Parr / Magnum Photos

Syd Shelton Darcus Howe addressing the anti-racist demonstrators, Lewisham, 13 August 1977 Dated 1977, printed 2020 Tate Presented by the artist 2021 © Syd Shelton

Anna Fox Work Stations, Independent Video Production Company 1988 The Hyman Collection, Courtesy of the Centre for British Photography © Anna Fox

Paul Graham Union Jack Flag in Tree, County Tyrone 1985, printed 1993-4 Tate Presented by Tate Members 2007 © Paul Graham; courtesy Pace and Pace/MacGill Gallery, New York

Paul Trevor Outside police station, Bethnal Green Road, London E2, 17 July 1978 1978, printed 2024 Paul Trevor © 2024

Al-An deSouza Junglee, Indian Aphorisms series 1992/2024 Courtesy Al-An deSouza and Talwar Gallery, New York and New Delhi

Brenda Prince Anti-Clause 27 demo in Whitehall, London, 9 June 1988 Format Photographers Archive, Bishopsgate Institute © Brenda Price

Grace Lau Series Interiors Lent by the artist © Grace Lau 1986

Find out more about our exhibition The 80s: Photographing Britain by reading the exhibition guide.

Need a bigger font size of the exhibition guide? Download the large print guide [1.04 Mb].

Tate Britain's step-free entrance is on Atterbury Street. It has automatic sliding doors and there is a ramp down to the entrance with central handrails.

The Exhibition is on the Lower floor of the gallery.

  • Accessible, standard and Changing Places toilets are located on the Lower floor.
  • Ear defenders can be borrowed from the ticket desk on the Lower floor.

To help plan your visit to Tate Britain, have a look at our visual story. It includes photographs and information about what you can expect from a visit to the gallery.

Download Tate Britain map

For more information before your visit:

  • Email hello@tate.org.uk
  • Call +44 (0)20 7887 8888 (daily 10.00–17.00)

Check all Tate Britain accessibility information

Tate Britain

Millbank
London SW1P 4RG
Plan your visit

Dates

21 November 2024 – 5 May 2025

  • Members enjoy free entry – no need to book, just turn up with your card
  • Relaxed Hours on the third Wednesday of the month at 10.00–11.00
  • Open until 22.00 on 15 February 2025 for Late at Tate Britain

Pricing

£20 / Free for Members

Concessions available

£5 for Tate Collective. 16–25? Sign up and log in to book

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Supported by

Tate International Council

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