Disability Activism in Bristol: pioneers, protests and progress from the 1980s to now

Please note that this display has now been taken down. This page has been preserved for archival purposes.

This display has been an incredibly valuable contribution to M Shed. However, it was intended to be temporary, and was subject to much wear and tear over the years. We will work carefully to integrate it into our collections in another way.

The display will be replaced by Jazz Thompson’s mural, A Movement Not A Moment, which has been on display at Bristol Museum & Art Gallery. Its permanent placement within M Shed ensures a fitting and lasting legacy for this excellent artwork.

Original web page text:

Bristol has been a vital city in disability activism, but this history has been largely unwritten. Until now.

This display is a collaboration with Bristol Disability Equality Forum.

Activists in the 1980s and 1990s put Disabled people at the heart of decision making for Disabled people. This display is no different.

The research and interviews were carried out by young Disabled volunteers. The themes, design and feel of the museum display have all been guided by the experiences of Disabled young people. The images were taken by Bristol-based photographer David Constantine.

The activists celebrated in the display changed the lives of tens of thousands of Bristolians. It’s time their stories were told.

Disability Activism in Bristol was a small display located in the foyer of Floor 01 at M Shed.