'Chile solidarity' badge
Object
Badge
Production date
c. 1983
Object number
2024.102
Physical Description
Metal, circular badge with a yellow background and a text reading 'Chile Solidarity'. The illustration depicts a person, perhaps a woman, with long green and blue hair raising her left fist and waving the national flag of Chile. The badge was produced by the Chile Solidarity Campaign (CSC), which formed in 1973 following the Chilean coup of 11 September 1973. The organisation campaigned for democracy and pragmatically supported Chilean refugees displaced in the UK.
Object history
The Chilean coup of 11th September 1973 led to an international outcry when Salvador Allende’s socialist Popular Unity (UP) government was overthrown by General Augusto Pinochet’s military junta. Left-wing political activity was repressed, and many activists jailed and ultimately the Junta tortured and executed thousands of people.
In the immediate aftermath of the coup various individuals and organisations around the UK rallied to Chile’s aid. Organisations such as the Chile Solidarity Campaign (1973-1991, based on Seven Sisters Road, Tottenham) were established to galvanise the British public and the government into action, in opposition to the Thatcher government. Residents assisted the movement and settlement of political exiles, with some settling in the borough. The Centerprise bookshop on Kingsland Road became a place Chilean leftists would gather.
Resulting from an initiative originally starting with the Joint Working Group for Refugees from Chile, The Latin America Centre opened in Hoxton Square in October 1977. This offered services and cultural activities to help Latin Americans, including political refugees, to overcome the practical difficulties and social barriers to participating in British Society.
In the immediate aftermath of the coup various individuals and organisations around the UK rallied to Chile’s aid. Organisations such as the Chile Solidarity Campaign (1973-1991, based on Seven Sisters Road, Tottenham) were established to galvanise the British public and the government into action, in opposition to the Thatcher government. Residents assisted the movement and settlement of political exiles, with some settling in the borough. The Centerprise bookshop on Kingsland Road became a place Chilean leftists would gather.
Resulting from an initiative originally starting with the Joint Working Group for Refugees from Chile, The Latin America Centre opened in Hoxton Square in October 1977. This offered services and cultural activities to help Latin Americans, including political refugees, to overcome the practical difficulties and social barriers to participating in British Society.
Associated Organisation
Chile Solidarity Campaign (Made by)
Associated Person
Peter Kahn (Owner)
Associated Place
Chile (Place)
Material
Metal
Plastic
Dimension
Diameter (Front): 4.4cm
On display?
No
Inscription
Chile solidarity
