Re/Assemble is a new exhibition by Manchester-based arts organisation IAP:MCR.
In 1988 20,000 people gathered in Manchester to protest against Section 28 – a clause in the Local Government Act that prohibited the ‘promotion of homosexuality’ by schools and local authorities. Known as the ‘Never Going Underground’ march, this would be the largest LGBTQIA+ demonstration in British history.
The exhibition will feature newly commissioned artworks that respond to the legacy of Section 28, explore themes of protest and resilience, and celebrate queer voices and creativity. These works will be displayed alongside historic artefacts from People’s History Museum’s collection, including protest banners and objects.
The artists:
IAP:MCR is a Manchester based arts organisation that creates and presents work across the visual and performing arts by artists who identify as queer. Re/Assemble is part of a project called PROTEST! – Documenting Dissent, which is supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Suitable for all ages (under 12s must have an accompanying adult).
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.
Gays Against Fascism banner, around 1977
AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power (ACT UP) Manchester banner, around 1989
Gay Labour Group banner, around 1975
Manchester Deaf Triangle Club banner, around 1985
Nalgay banner, around 1980
Movement for Justice LGBT banner, 2010. Made by Ed Hall
Lesbians & Gays Support the Miners Manchester banner, 1992. Made by Cath Booth, Garrath Williams and Mike Jackson
Re/Assemble Introduction panel
Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence – Nun’s habit, Daniel Nield & Jez Dolan, 2023
Re/Assemble film, David Martin, 2025
WE STAND HERE NOW! Yuen Fong Ling, 2025
Northwest Campaign for Lesbian & Gay Equality banner, 1988
Mark Ashton Trust banner, 1988
ASLEF Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Members banner, 2005. Made by Ed Hall
Never Going Underground, Anna Appleby, 2025. Performed by Sherpa K: Joshua Dawson, Jez Dolan, David Martin, Joshua Val Martin, Adam Summers
Love and Protest, Sarah-Joy Ford and Rachael Field, 1988 /2025 (Includes Illegal on the Street, We 2 Girls Together Clinging, We 2 Boys Together Clinging)
Clause 28 demonstration, Manchester. Black & white photographs, 1988, Peter J Walsh
Northwest Lesbian & Gay Equality Campaign (NLGCE) programme, 1988
As Wide as the Sea, Jez Dolan, 2021
AARGH! (Artists Against Rampant Government Homophobia), Mad Love, 1988
Jenny Lives with Eric and Martin, Susanne Bosche, 1983. Gay Men’s Press
A Sense of Alarm, The Independent, 1988
Local Government Act 1988, Chapter 9 Part IV House of Commons 1988. Published by Her Majesty’s Stationery Office (HMSO)
On the Scene, Lee Baxter, 2025
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