'Behind the NHS'

Poster entitled 'Behind the NHS - a history of struggle. Before us a new struggle - Fight the Cuts', published by the East London Health project, design by Loraine Leeson, 1970s.

In 1978, the East London Trades Councils wanted to give information about health issues to the local population. This was at a time when cuts were being made to the National Health Service (NHS). The East London Health Project was formed for this task and eight different posters were produced over the two years it existed. Art and modern advertising techniques were both used to draw attention to the issues and were displayed in doctors’ surgeries and other waiting areas. The themes and styles of the posters were developed by a steering group including members of the health workers’ unions NALGO and NUPE, the local Trades Council, and Tower Hamlets health campaign and the artists, Loraine Leeson and Peter Dunn.