People’s History Museum cares for the largest collection of political and trade union banners in the world. These historic and contemporary banners are always a highlight of our annually changing gallery display.
The selection of banners curated for 2026, have either been part of historic marches and rallies in the past or highlight a diversity of people coming together to support each other – including showing solidarity at times of international crises.
Alongside the oldest trade union banner in the world (dating back to 1821) on Gallery One, you will also find examples given as gifts, sent to those fighting on the front line, or used at events and fundraisers as recent as 2025.
An internationally significant museum collection, these banners are a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when ordinary people stand together for ideas worth fighting for.
On Gallery Two visitors can peek behind the scenes into The Conservation Studio, where our expert team of specialists care for and conserve the museum’s collection, as well as commissions for other museums, communities, and individuals.
This video features a BSL interpreted version of the information on this website page about the 2026 Banner Exhibition.
A range of accessible formats have been created to enable visitors to engage with the exhibition in different ways;
Although there are a range of accessible formats available, we understand everyone’s access needs are different. If you want to discuss your access needs with a member of the museum team, you can contact us on access@phm.org.uk or by phoning on 0161 838 9190.
Tobacco Workers’ Union banner, around 1960
National Amalgamated Stevedores, Lightermen, Watermen And Dockers banner, 1920s
Front of banner:
Reverse of banner:
GCHQ banner, 1992
Wimbledon NUR Womens Guild banner, 1923 (on display until Mon 18 May 2026)
The Fabric of Protest garment workers’ rights banner, 2022
The Glutton! The Budget League poster, 1909
Ye Old Trafford Habitation Primrose League banner, around 1900
Fakenham Labour Party banner, 1987
Redhill Women’s Co operative Guild banner, around 1900
Homeless Action campaign banner, 1940s
To the English delegation of the trade unions banner, 1920s
Printers Send Greetings To Bill Alexander banner, around 1937
Worth More Than They Say banner, 2024
Discover more banners from PHM’s collection which feature as part of Re/Assemble – a striking exhibition curated by IAP:MCR located in Gallery Two.
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