These photographs are selected from the exhibition NOW FILMING: Art, Documentary & Resistance in 1930s East London which explores the work of the Workers’ Film & Photo League, who employed the camera as ‘a weapon in the struggle’ by representing working class lives in their fight against poverty, exploitation and the rise of fascism. This free exhibition opens tomorrow at Four Corners in Bethnal Green and runs until 22nd February.
The ‘Royal’ Repast by John Maltby, 1935 (courtesy Bishopsgate Institute)
Hunger marchers by Norman King, c 1936
Unemployed workers going to dine at the Ritz by John Maltby, 1935 (courtesy Bishopsgate Institute)
Reception for women hunger marchers, Islington Town Hall, 1937 (courtesy Bishopsgate Institute)
March against the Unemployed Assistance Board in East London, Workers’ Camera Club, 1935 (courtesy Film & Photo League Archive)
March against the Unemployed Assistance Board in East London, Workers’ Camera Club, 1935 (courtesy Film & Photo League Archive)
Police removing barricades in Long Lane, Bermondsey, 1937 (courtesy Film & Photo League Archive)
Socialist Youth by Workers’ Camera Club, 1935 (courtesy Film & Photo League Archive)
National Unemployed Workers Movement Holloway Branch outside Holloway Odeon, 1935 (courtesy Bishopsgate Institute)
Kino mobile cinema, 1935
Back view of the Kino mobile cinema showing rear projection screen, 1935
Making the film ‘Bread’, Workers Film & Photo League production still, 1934 (courtesy Bishopsgate Institute)
Film & Photo League ‘Now Filming,’ stills from 1937 (courtesy BFI)
Film & Photo League ‘Construction’ stills, 1935 (courtesy Bishopsgate Institute)
Filming ‘The Merry Month of May’ 1937 (courtesy Film & Photo League Archive)
Banner of Prime Minister Caballero leads a march in support of the Spanish Republican government by John Maltby, c 1936 (courtesy Bishopsgate Institute)
Men reading a poster about the threat of war, c 1938-39 (courtesy Bishopsgate Institute)
Four Corners, 121 Roman Rd, Bethnal Green, E2 0QN