Radical New Cross: protest and dissent 1875 - 2015

Goldsmiths festival explores the radical past, present and future of New Cross.

Step inside some of the most significant buildings in the history of New Cross this November to explore radical protest, fascism and riots through a series of free events hosted by Goldsmiths, University of London.

Researchers and artists from across Goldsmiths have collaborated with community groups to put on ‘Radical New Cross’ from 12-15 November- an ambitious programme of eight free public events responding to some of the biggest issues facing London and the local area.

New Cross has long been a hotbed of radical new ideas, protest and dissent and this spirit of challenging established thinking is part of the fabric of Goldsmiths.

Radical New Cross will spark discussions around some of the most important issues of our time. From the future of radical politics to a unique exhibition of new printmaking, visitors will be invited to engage with ground-breaking humanities research and creative practices.

For Radical New Cross, Goldsmiths is opening up some of its unique historic buildings including a refurbished former church and the historic Deptford Town Hall. Both have witnessed some extraordinary events over the past 150 years, from the imprisonment of the parish priest of St. James Hatcham for radical teachings in the 1870s, to the Battle of Lewisham between the National Front and anti-Fascist groups a hundred years later.

Themes like commoning, protest and what it means to be human will provide a space for the exploration of ideas like gender, race and the digital. Events include exhibitions, data walks, lectures, workshops, panel discussions and even a meal - Deptford Town Hall’s newly refurbished Council Chamber will host ‘breads and spreads’ prepared and eaten by community groups, historians, academics and local people.

Radical New Cross is part of the national Being Human festival of the humanities 2015 in partnership with Parliament Week and with events in collaboration with The Field, New Cross Commoners, X Marks the Spot and the Women’s Art Library.

Find out more, download the programme and book your free tickets!

Five radical facts:

1. In 1877, New Cross’ St James Hatcham Church was the parish of ritualist priest Arthur Tooth, who was prosecuted and imprisoned in Horsemonger Lane Gaol for the use of incense, vestments, and altar candles. St James Hatcham is now part of the Goldsmiths campus.
2. In 1865, the Hatcham Iron Works on Pomeroy Street was an important steam locomotive factory and the site of a bitter conflict between its workers and management. The official Strike Committee met at the Crown and Anchor pub on New Cross Road.
3. In 1977, the far-right National Front (NF) attempted to march from New Cross to Lewisham and were halted by a huge counter-demonstration by activists, students, local people and church groups. The Battle of Lewisham marked the first ever use of police riot shields and was attended by author Iain Banks.
4. In 1981, thirteen young black people were killed by the New Cross Fire at a party at on New Cross Road. Suspicions that the fire was caused by a racist attack and apparent official indifference to the deaths led to the largest ever political mobilisation of black people seen in Britain.
5.  Former Goldsmiths students and staff were at the crux of some of the most important cultural moments of the last 30 years, including defining the punk movement (former student Malcolm McLaren), bands like Blur, artists like Damien Hirst and Oscar winning filmmaker Steve McQueen.