An exhibition that explores how the right to protest has shaped and influenced the Island that we know today.
‘People! Power! Protest!’ explores the story of protest in Jersey, from the Corn Riots of 1769 to the Black Lives Matter movement of 2020.
Jersey may be small but Islanders have made their voices heard loud and clear over the years. Jersey has a fascinating history of protest in the Island and the theme of the exhibition coincides with the 250th anniversary of the Code of Laws that was introduced in response to the Corn Riots.
The exhibition explores how the right to protest has shaped and influenced the Island that we know today, from historic protests, such as the Corn Riots, to more recent protests such as Extinction Rebellion and Black Lives Matter.
Among the items on display is the official 18th century court records showing the redacted demands of the Corn Riots protestors, and the petition signed by thousands of people to try and save Queen’s Valley from being flooded in the 1980s. There are also the banners and placards from other protests over the years and photographs of significant post-war campaigns and demonstrations.
As you enter the exhibition ‘People! Power! Protest!’, you’ll see a stunning graffiti-style entrance wall by designer James Carter, of Midnight Industries. Celebrated local artist Ian Rolls has also created a new version of his iconic climate stripes mural in the environmental protest section of the exhibition. Visitors can to listen to stories of protest and share their own memories of their involvement in campaigns and demonstrations over the years.
