Open 8 September to 4 January 2024
This exhibition was curated by Dr Tanya Harmer (LSE Department of International History) and Gloria Miqueles (Chilean exile) in partnership with Gillian Murphy (LSE Library) and Paul Dudman (Living Refugee Archive (LRA), University of East London).
Introduction
On 11 September 1973, a military coup overthrew Chile’s democratically elected socialist government and ushered forth 17 years of dictatorship. Tens of thousands were imprisoned and tortured, and more than 3,300 murdered and disappeared. In Britain, trade unionists, politicians, academics, students, musicians, church groups and others mobilised in diverse and expansive ways against the new regime. They formed part of a new global solidarity movement that shaped a human rights revolution and stimulated radical artistic and cultural production.
Chilean events, and the arrival of more than 3,000 Chilean refugees, also stimulated conversations about human rights, democracy, and refuge in Britain. This exhibition explored these conversations and celebrated Chilean contributions to Britain 50 years on.
Reflection
This exhibition was an example of what could be achieved through collaboration between LSE Library, an academic department, the Living Refuge Archive, solidarity activists, and Chilean exiles who settled in the UK. The exhibition was very colourful bringing together material in a meaningful and thoughtful way to reflect views and feelings of those who were involved. Moreover, it highlighted an unexplored theme in the Library’s collection to tell a story of solidarity and resistance. The exhibition was enhanced by a complementary website (created by Tanya Harmer) of articles, videos and images which provided an extra dimension to the physical exhibition.
Visitors’ comments
This exhibition was very insightful seeing all who stood up and fought to ensure justice is served. As a woman myself, this was beyond inspiring seeing many people before me and their accomplishments like Sheila Cassidy [British doctor kidnapped and tortured in Chile in 1975 whose TV appearances on release and subsequent memoir raised awareness - memoir was on display in the exhibition]. This whole exhibition has taught me to always keep going and never stand by when injustice is taking place.
This is part of my history. I was 7 when I fled with my parents in 1974. The wounds are still there. Thank you for remembering us.
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