Do You Remember Olive Morris?
Oral history archive and library
Size variable
The exhibition Do you remember Olive Morris? uncovers the largely untold history of Brixton-based activist Olive Morris (1952-1979). Developed by London-based artist Ana Laura Lopez de la Torre and the Remember Olive Collective (ROC), this exhibition is the culmination of three years of artists and community-led research inspired by this remarkable figure in South London’s recent history. The exhibition brings together art works, films and historical photographs documenting the movements and campaign groups with which Olive Morris was associated. My role in ROC was multifaceted. Alongside with organizing regular presentations and run fund raising activities at cultural and political events, festivals and fairs, I undertook an extensive online library project, including research in archives, and oral history interviews and transcriptions leading to the creation of the Olive Morris Collection, which is now available to the public at the Lambeth Archives in London (UK).
Parallel to the exhibition and together with ROC members Ashley Whitefield, Rakhee Kewada and Altair Roelants, we organized the round table Self-Education: On Alternative Strategies of Education. In Olive Morris’ Brixton, self-education initiatives challenged the failings of standard comprehensive education for Black children. Members of ROC were joined by a diverse group of educators to explore and exchange different approaches towards learning, across sectors and communities. This open, round table discussion was initiated by a film screening. Contributions by educators included Frances Williams, South London Gallery Education and Outreach Manager; Deepa Nalik and Trenton Olfield, This is not a Gateway; Ditte Lyngkaer Pedersen, HOMEWORK and rum46; Leslie Barson, Home-Schooling Expert/Runs Annual Home-Schooling Fair; Claudia Moseley and Ed Shuster, Tree house gallery; Harriet and Neil, Carbon Citizens and Ella Ritchie & Sam Jones, Intoart.
Photographs by Kristel Raesaar
© Jacqueline Hoang Nguyen