Catalogue Number
NMLH.2016.2
Object Name
Banner
Title
Manchester, a nuclear free city
Place
Greater Manchester
Bramhall
Cheadle Hulme
Royton
People
CND
Date
Early 1980s
Creator(s) Description
Greater Manchester Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) banner, 1980s
The Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) organisation formed in 1957 in response to widespread fears of nuclear conflict and saw a revival in the 1980s in response to increasing tensions of the Cold War. While CND is based in London, there are national and regional groups across the UK, including in Manchester. The group continues to campaign for the elimination of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction, a nuclear-free and less militarised Europe, and the closure of nuclear power stations.
This banner was created to represent the Greater Manchester CND groups including Altrincham, Bramhall, Cheadle, Hulme, Marple, North Manchester, Pendleton, Sale and Wilmslow. CND groups from these communities were involved in making the individual squares of the banner which represent the different communities. The patches were sewn together by banner makers Marjorie Byrton and Doreen McCann. The methods used include patchwork, applique and embroidery, and many include the CND peace symbol or the white dove. The central section of the face side reads 'Manchester: A Nuclear Free City', which was the slogan used by the Greater Manchester regional government to show their commitment to making the city a nuclear-free zone in 1980.
Materials: A double sided banner made using various techniques including patchwork, applique and embroidery. Materials include cotton, man-made fibres, faux fur and embroidery threads.
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