Margaret Thatcher ('Prevent Street Crime')

This portraitback to top

This photomontage by Cath Tate became one of Leeds Postcards bestsellers in 1982, 'Prevent Street Crime' sold 35,000 posters and more than 100,000 cards. Taught by Peter Kennard, Tate started working on photomontage in the early 1980s to comment on current affairs. This work is based on a photograph she made of her friend and toddler, with Margaret Thatcher stealing the young mother’s purse in reference to the welfare cuts under the Conservative government.

Events of 1982back to top

Current affairs

Unemployment hits 3.6 million in the UK, with one in eight people out of work. The crisis came about as a result of industrial modernisation and restructuring. As a result those out of work were referred to as 'Maggie's millions'.
Charles and Diana have their first child, Prince William, who becomes the second in line for the throne.

Art and science

Richard Attenborough releases his biopic Gandhi, starring Ben Kingsley as the lead. The film was an Anglo-Indian production, featuring a record-breaking 300,000 extras.
The Barbican Arts Centre is opened featuring a concert hall, theatres, cinema screens and an art gallery. In 2003 it was voted London's ugliest building in a BBC poll.
The Thames Barrier opens to protect London from floods due to rising sea levels.

International

Argentina occupies the Falkland Islands beginning the Falklands War. Britain retaliated, and after three months of fighting at sea and on land won back the islands. Following the British victory opposition grew in Argentina towards the military government, while in Britain a wave of patriotism helped Margaret Thatcher to win the general election the following year.

Tell us more back to top