Catalogue Number
NMLH.2025.37.53
Object Name
Poster
Title
Join the Campaign Against the Criminal Trespass Law
Place
Paddington Printshop, London
People
John Phillips (designer); Paddington Printshop; Campaign Against the Criminal Trespass Law (CACTL); National Union of Journalists (NUJ)
Date
1976
Description
Screenprinted poster, âJoin the Campaign Against the Criminal Trespass Lawâ in black on a blue background. The page is printed with a red layer showing a snaking protest crowd with banners including âNUJ book branchâ, âsquatters town councilâ, âoccupy homes not jailsâ, âstop the criminal trespass lawâ. In the top left corner is black text reading âa government backed conspiracy and trespass bill will go through parliament this autumn. It threatens occupations and direct action of any kind. If you are a student, a trade unionist, tenant, squatter, claimant, gypsy: this bill attached your interest. Stop this billâ.
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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