Catalogue Number
NMLH.2025.37.45
Object Name
Poster
Title
Demonstrate against a criminal trespass law
Place
Paddington Printshop, London
People
John Phillips (designer); Paddington Printshop; Campaign Against a Criminal Trespass Law (CACTL)
Date
1976
Description
Screenprinted poster, âDemonstrate against a criminal trespass lawâ in bold red text at the top. A full page illustration is a photocollage of people protesting with banners saying âoccupy nowâ and âwe shall not be movedâ. They are inside a house and street which is being picked up by a caricature judge character in white wig oversized to loom over the whole street. In the bottom right in black on red is more text information saying âThe Law Commissionâs proposals for a Criminal Trespass Law will soon be before Parliament. They want to make it illegal for any of us to take direct action however peaceful.â
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.
Multimedia
