In May 1926, Britain came to a standstill. Over 1.7 million workers walked out in support of the coal miners, whose wages and conditions had been pushed to breaking point. For nine extraordinary days, the General Strike brought the country to a halt: trains fell silent, newspapers stopped printing, docks and factories closed, and communities organised in new and inventive ways.

It remains one of the most powerful displays of working-class solidarity in British history and a pivotal moment in the story of labour, power and resistance. One hundred years on, artists, makers, writers, historians, activists and members of the public were invited to respond to this landmark event through a new open call. This exhibition is the result.

​

–––

​

Participants were offered a choice of two grounds on which to work –– newsprint or postcard. The materials were then prepared by the Nicholas Cliff team and sent directly to each entrant. Proceeds from the entry fees have supported the realisation of Nicholas Cliff, a new space established by the creators of North Yorks Art School and bookaclass.com.

​

You are warmly invited to the inaugural exhibition commemorating 100 Years since the General Strike of 1926 at Nicholas Cliff on Thursday 27 August 2026. Doors open at 7pm. At 8pm, the winners in each category—newsprint and postcard—will be announced and presented with their awards by Chloe Barnes and Wendy Barratt, recent winners of Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year.

​

​