Here, on the first floor of Manchester Central Library, it's 'Fuck me!...Jeeeeezus!' time as the sheer scale of the images hit you, knocking your psyche for six. These things are bloody massive, and some massively bloody, in super real, hyper life-like, sabre-slashing, defiant, haunting splendour.
The size of the nine artworks mirror the giant injustice that befell those who gathered, unarmed, to campaign for a vote and a decent standard of living amongst other things, at St Peter's Field on 16th August 1819, only to be met with cavalry charges leaving hundreds of working people injured and 18 dead.
Over recent years, Red Saunders, one of the founders of Rock Against Racism and a legendary photographer, has produced a series of tableaux's of Hidden working class history featuring everything from the Peasants' Revolt in 1381, to the Levellers and the English Revolution of 1647, to the masked Swing rioters of 1830...but nothing beats the Peterloo portrayals.
Using modern day volunteers, Red teleports them, using photography, computer tech and 150 year old tableaux techniques, to scenarios of the day. Here, there's Nady Joe's Specials; constables tapping their truncheons in anticipation, while the 'Women In White', depicted with their men folk, stare out, not knowing what might befall them on the protest.
It's followed by the harsh reality of what did befall them, as their dresses become splattered in blood from sabre slashes while kids scream and weep. These images have got stunning movement...the crush, the confusion...the crazed joy and aggression of the flailing cavalrymen as they slay the innocent.
Then there's scenes of the aftermath, as one of the cavalrymen rides off into the sunset, leaving a bloodied man in an empty field, while another canvas shows someone dying in some hidden house.
It's, like, 'Yeuch!' but compelling and ultra experiential. A proper 'Fuck me!... Jeeeeezus!' moment. This is Peterloo loomed large with the visual volume and artistic genius turned up to the max. And then some...
Do not miss!!!
The Hidden Tableaux's: Peterloo Massacre 1819 are on display at Manchester Central Library until 28th September.
For more details on the Peterloo Hidden Project – click here
For more details on the incredible work of Red Saunders – click here
To read the Salford Star interview with Red Saunders on the project - click here
There's loads of other Peterloo events happening at Manchester Central Library and at venues all over Greater Manchester... www.peterloo1819.co.uk
Review by Stephen Kingston
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