In June 1980, during the Cold War, it was announced that 160 American nuclear cruise missiles (guided nuclear missiles), would be stationed in Britain. They would be based at RAF/USAF Greenham Common and RAF/USAF Molesworth, Cambridgeshire.
Public opposition to this move led to an increase in support for the British anti-nuclear movement, which began a sustained protest campaign lasting many years.
British documentary and portrait photographer Edward Barber captured aspects of this campaign while working as a freelancer 1980-1984. Peace Signs, his collected body of work, was originally created to publicise the anti-nuclear movement. It has now been re-interpreted in a new exhibition at IWM London.
The photographs on display capture many of the forms of protest used by the anti-nuclear movement over the years.
Here are six of Edward Barber’s photographs capturing different forms of protest.
CND Demonstration
Anti-nuclear protesters staged mass demonstrations around the country.
Die-In
'Die-ins' were a popular form of performance protest in the 1980s. Protesters pretended to be dead in order to obstruct and attract attention.
This photograph captures the first major London event initiated by the Greenham Common women, which also coincided with the Falklands Conflict. The 'Die-in' symbolised the one million who, it was argued, would die in a nuclear attack on London.
Picket
Picketing enabled protesters to apply non-violent pressure on individuals associated with key organisations.
Performance protest
This photograph shows some of the 30,000 women who linked hands around the nine mile perimeter fence to 'Embrace the Base' at RAF/USAF Greenham Common, Berkshire in 1982. As a form of performance protest, the linking of arms provided a very visible and symbolic demonstration of unity.
Protest art
Banners and costumes were an essential form of direct communication for the protesters.
Labour Party Rally
Rallies enabled large numbers of protesters to be addressed by speakers.
