Steve McQueen’s Protest Exhibition Opens at Leeds Art Gallery

demoduck.co.uk editorial team 2026-08-20 10:14 2 min read

Visitors observing historical protest photography displayed on a gallery wall in the UK.

A major cultural exhibition exploring the visual history of British protest is set to arrive in Leeds this autumn. Steve McQueen: Resistance – How Protest Shaped Britain and Photography Shaped Protest will open at the Leeds Art Gallery on 6 November 2026, offering visitors a deep dive into a century of grassroots social change.

Conceived by the acclaimed filmmaker and artist Steve McQueen, the exhibition examines how photography has functioned as both a record and a catalyst for justice. The collection spans over 100 years of activism, tracing significant moments from the radical suffragette movement of 1903 through to the 2003 march against the Iraq War. It serves as the North of England destination for the touring exhibition, following successful runs at Turner Contemporary in Margate and the National Galleries of Scotland in Edinburgh.

A Century of Visual History

Unlike many contemporary displays, Resistance specifically focuses on pre-digital photography. By curating works from over 40 photographers, the exhibition highlights the raw, immediate power of the camera in documenting social struggle. Featured photographers include notable figures such as Vanley Burke, Tish Murtha, Fay Godwin, Edith Tudor-Hart, Henry Grant, Humphrey Spender, Christine Spengler, Andrew Testa, Paul Trevor, and Janine Wiedel, alongside lesser-known contributors who captured pivotal moments in British history.

Steve McQueen’s Protest Exhibition Opens at Leeds Art Gallery

“Resistance is an exhibition that will hopefully remind people that no matter the odds, as a collective, things can change,” said Steve McQueen. The project, which is the result of a four-year effort, aims to amplify underrepresented voices and bring overlooked historical narratives to the forefront of public discourse.

At a Glance: Exhibition Details

Detail	Information
Event Name	Steve McQueen: Resistance
Venue	Leeds Art Gallery
Opening Date	6 November 2026
Closing Date	25 April 2027
Curators	Steve McQueen, Clarrie Wallis, Emma Lewis

Planning Your Visit

Leeds Art Gallery will host the exhibition as part of its ongoing programme to enhance the city’s reputation as a cultural destination. Visitors can expect a comprehensive display of visual media, ranging from iconic press photography to candid surveillance shots, often accompanied by first-hand accounts from those who witnessed these historical events.

As the exhibition is a major touring project, it is expected to draw significant interest. While the gallery has confirmed the residency dates, specific details regarding daily opening hours, potential ticket requirements, or accessibility arrangements have not been released at this stage. Prospective visitors are encouraged to monitor the official Leeds Art Gallery website for logistical updates and any announcements regarding related events or workshops that may accompany the exhibition during its stay in Leeds.

Source: Leeds City Council

Context & actions About this article

Source check Verified Event Brief

This event preview is based on the official announcement from Leeds City Council regarding the upcoming exhibition dates and curators.

Checks