Special exhibition celebrating Solidarity extended to November

An exceptional exhibition celebrating Solidarity, the Polish trade union that changed the world in the 1980s, has now been extended to November 3 - by public demand.

Since its opening in mid-September, the display has drawn praise from its many visitors, including pro-Solidarity campaigners Lord Dubs, John Spellar MP and local MP Andy Slaughter - as well as the Polish Ambassador Arkady Rzegocki and the Mayor of Hammersmith Daryl Brown.

The exhibition tells the story of Solidarność through posters, from the historic strike in the Gdansk Shipyard in August 1980 through martial law to the Round Table discussions and semi free elections in 1989 that signalled the fall of communism in Central and Eastern Europe.

Also featured are photographs by the award-winning photographer Chris Niedenthal, as well as film material and photos from the European Solidarity Centre in Gdańsk. Publications from Solidarity's underground struggles under martial law and Western support campaigns are also on display.

Prominent too are posters and leaflets illustrating support for Solidarity in the UK by organisations across the political spectrum.

The posters are part of the rich collection held by the Polish Library POSK in London and the private collection of Ludomir Lasocki.

The exhibition curator, Wanda Kościa, said:  

 “This exhibition will take you back to an era when fighting for human rights was very different to what it is today - simpler, but far more difficult. No internet, no smart phones. Just people-power - recorded in hard copy"

POSK Gallery
POSK Polish Centre
238-246 King Street, London W6 0RF
Tube: Ravenscourt Park, Hammersmith

Weekdays: 10:00 – 18:00, Weekends 10:00 – 19:30
Free entry

Under Covid regulations, no more than six visitors at a time, and face masks are compulsory. Visitors are asked use a QR code or provide their contact details at reception.

Private (individual) visits for reasons of health may be requested by phoning POSK reception at 020 8741 1940

The exhibition is organised by the Polish Solidarity Campaign (PSC) and the Committee for the Defence of Democracy UK (KOD UK),

Funded by PSC, the Polonia Aid Foundation Trust (PAFT) and The Peace Building.