Exhibition: 1980s People Power: The Campaign for St Leonard’s Hospital

A small temporary exhibition looks at Hackney Health Emergency, a successful people-led campaign to save St Leonard’s Hospital in Shoreditch from closure in 1983-84.

The exhibition, 1980s People Power - The Campaign for St Leonard’s Hospital, co-curated with members of Hackney Health Emergency, marks the 40th anniversary of efforts to save the buildings, which served as a general hospital until 1984.

The campaign was organised by Hackney Health Emergency, and supported by local trade unions, the London Borough of Hackney, political parties, the Community Health Council and residents. Thousands of people signed petitions, contributed money, took part in marches and demonstrations, attended local benefit concerts and even held a torch lit vigil to show their support.

St Leonard’s still provides many much valued community health services and there are currently plans in place to improve the condition of its buildings.