"Look What they Gave the Mayor Today poster" [NMLH.2025.37.22]

Catalogue Number
NMLH.2025.37.22

Object Name
Poster

Title
look what they gave to the Mayor today and look what they took from us!

Place
Paddington Printshop, London

People
John Phillips (designer); Westminster City Council; Paddington Printshop

Description
Screenprinted poster, “look what they gave to the Mayor today and look what they took from us!” In white on a red background. A larger illustration shows an expensive Rolls Royce car with black and silver metal grill. It is mirrored in the centre and the licence plate reads “two4me”. Below coming from tyre tracks is text “cuts cuts cuts cuts” on repeat. The right side of the page has small text explaining “In order to put money into industry and make profits for British shareholders the government has ordered severe cuts in public expenditure. When Westminster City Council dole out the money, they make very sure that we are the only people to suffer – not their kind. At a recent Westminster City Council meeting: CUT - £100,000 for Grosvenor estate and Lisson Green Estate Halls, places for thousands of people to meet and have fun. PASSED – £120,000 for the upkeep of one lord Mayor including two Rolls Royces and two chauffeurs so he doesn't have to meet Westminster people on the buses. Fight back now! All out for day of action May 26 meet 1:00 p.m. Tower Hall - assemble under Westminster trades council banner.”

This poster was made by Paddington Printshop, a community graphic design and print workshop in West London, co-founded by John Phillips and Pippa Smith. Between 1975-1991, the centre printed over 400 designs for left-wing community organisations. These publicised local political campaigns such as housing rights and food co-ops, to social gatherings including play days, gardening clubs, gigs and festivals. Their do-it-yourself style was part of the proto-punk ethos.

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