In Conversation: Ed Hall and Craig Oldham

A banner-maker and trade unionist for the best part of 40 years, Ed Hall’s work shot to artistic fame as a collaborator with Jeremy Deller in 1999.

Ed’s banners have given visibility and voice to social issues as they have arisen, and his passion for symbolising justice and activism are evident in his hand-stitched works. The skill and craft of creating beautiful, vibrant and easily recognisable iconography has long continued and remains part of a tradition of activism through visual arts in society today.

The conversation will explore his interest in the history of banner-making in Northern Ireland, and share his knowledge of how banners have been used since the 14th century and their vital presence in protests today. Ed will also temporarily exhibit some of his own hand-crafted banners throughout the lobby at the venue for one night only.

Ed will be in conversation with designer and Rough Trade Books Creative Director, Craig Oldham, a fellow visual activist, in advance of his talk The Tools of Protest on 24^th January in the same venue.