From 1926 to the present day, On The Line: 100 years of strikes & solidarity explores how strike action has shaped the history and future of British democracy. The exhibition is part of the national commemoration marking 100 years since the 1926 General Strike.
Drawing on the extensive collections of the People’s History Museum, the exhibition brings together items such as banners and badges, paintings and posters, t-shirts and a truncheon to take the audience through a century of strikes, solidarity and collective action. Leading audiences along a timeline of pivotal moments such as Grunwick Strike (1976-1978), the Miners’ Strike (1984-1985) and Amazon’s Coventry warehouse strikes (2023-2024).
The identity uses a somewhat obvious but incredibly striking line device that embodies tension, movement and the act of taking a stand. The line flows from outside the gallery into the space and throughout the exhibition across walls, floors, objects and marketing assets.
Bold typography evokes the visual language of protest, capturing strength and solidarity. This along with a strong contrasting colour palette of vibrant red, off white and punchy black, brings the space to life and compliments the objects. Thoughtful touches, including panel material choices, section colours and playful titles that interact with the line in each section bring On The Line to life.
