Protest in the picture as compelling exhibition comes to Leeds

The exhibition will explore how acts of resistance have shaped life in the UK and the powerful role photography has played in both documenting and driving change.

McQueen offers a powerful exploration of overlooked histories, bringing to light the stories of individuals and communities whose acts of resistance have helped shape modern Britain.

Spanning a century of activism, Resistance traces movements from the radical suffragettes of 1903 to the largest protest in British history, the 2003 march against the Iraq War.

Renowned for amplifying underrepresented voices, McQueen contributes a compelling exploration of overlooked histories, shedding light on the forgotten stories of individuals whose actions have helped define Britain's history.

The exhibition will bring together works by renowned photographers such as Vanley Burke, Henry Grant, Fay Godwin, Edith Tudor-Hart, Tish Murtha, Humphrey Spender, Christine Spengler, Andrew Testa, Paul Trevor and Janine Wiedel, alongside less-known photographers who documented these powerful stories.

Drawing photographs from various archives collections and image libraries, Resistance deliberately focuses on moments captured before digital cameras became commonplace.

As the North of England venue on the tour, Leeds Art Gallery will present this critically acclaimed exhibition following its highly successful presentations at Turner Contemporary in Margate and National Galleries of Scotland: Modern Two in Edinburgh.

Steve McQueen said: “Resistance is an exhibition that will hopefully remind people that no matter the odds, as a collective, things can change.”

Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for economy, said: “It’s a real privilege for the gallery to be hosting such a prestigious and compelling exhibition that will give visitors the chance to reflect on some groundbreaking moments that have helped shape British history.

“Leeds Art Gallery continues to explore fascinating subjects through a programme that helps to enhance the city’s reputation as a bold and dynamic cultural destination.”

Jane Bhoyroo, Principal Keeper at Leeds Art Gallery, said: “We are thrilled to present this landmark historical exhibition which captures a century of grassroots struggle for social justice. Conceived by Steve McQueen, the exhibition creates a panorama of histories of resistance which highlights individual stories, communities gathering strength and moments of celebratory defiance from across the UK.

"It is a compelling exploration of people whose actions have helped define Britain’s identity and visitors will have the opportunity to encounter poignant images by over 40 photographers.”

Resistance is curated by Steve McQueen and Clarrie Wallis, with Emma Lewis. Political research is by Sarah Harrison. The exhibition is produced by Tessa Pierce, with assistance from Brittany Crombie, organised by and originated at Turner Contemporary, Margate, and adapted for presentation at National Galleries Scotland: Modern Two and Leeds Art Gallery with Curator Liza Butakova.

Resistance is the culmination of a four-year project, made possible by the Ampersand Foundation Award 2023. The exhibition is on display at Leeds Art Gallery from 6 November 2026 – 25 April 2027 and will be accompanied by a programme of related events.

Resistance is also a major publication, compiled by Steve McQueen and edited by Clarrie Wallis with Sarah Harrison, published by 4th Estate.

The book presents a rich collection of photographs from the exhibition, ranging from covert surveillance shots to iconic press images, along with first-hand accounts from witnesses of these pivotal historical moments.

Expert analysis further examines the relevance of these stories today, featuring contributions from influential voices such as Gary Younge, Paul Gilroy, and Baroness Chakrabarti.

ENDS