Free Speech Collection

Cartoon from Puck, between 1880 and 1889. Creators: Joseph Keppler, Bernhard Gillam
Cartoon from Puck, between 1880 and 1889

A Lock'd Jaw for John Bull, published November 23, 1795. Creator: Unknown
A Lock'd Jaw for John Bull, published November 23, 1795. British prime minister William Pitt: Don't be alarmed Johnny

Political amnesty pickets, 1922 (b/w photo)
4072609 Political amnesty pickets, 1922 (b/w photo) by National Photo Company (c.1850-1945); Private Collection; (add.info.: Women demonstrating outside the White House on December 1st, 1922. )

Don't look, don't speak
Mirjam Delrue

Mental bullying
Lucyna Łazarska ( Lucynda Lu )

Salvation Army at Speakers Corner, Hyde Park. 1st March 1955

Portrait of Mr Fleming of the Society of Cogers, c1800. Artist: SB Pocock
Portrait of Mr Fleming of the Society of Cogers, c1800. The Society of Cogers is a free speech society, founded in the City of London in 1755

"Speakers Corner"that used to exist on the Downs on Sundays
" Speakers Corner" that used to exist on the Downs on Sundays. This " open House" at the top of Blackboy Hill, Bristol, ceased in the 1960s after the hecklers got a bit too rowdy

Freedom of the Press, illustration from L Association Mensuelle, 1834
XIR162355 Freedom of the Press, illustration from L Association Mensuelle, 1834 (litho) (see also 741265) by Daumier, Honore (1808-79); Bibliotheque Nationale, Paris

Pencil with a broken point

Environmental protest. Conceptual image showing a hand with STOP written on it, and a background of aeroplanes. This represents people protesting on environmental issues such as aircraft exhaust

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"Free Speech: The Power of Words Unleashed" In the realm of free speech, a tapestry of historical moments and powerful images intertwine to remind us of its profound significance. From the vivid colors depicting the "Allegory of the death of Bismarck, 1898, " we witness how this fundamental right can shape destinies and topple empires. Yet, in contrast, there are those who choose to "Don't look, don't speak, " perpetuating mental bullying that stifles voices yearning to be heard. Delving into history's archives reveals portraits like that of Mr Fleming from the Society of Cogers in c1800. His gaze speaks volumes about an era when individuals gathered courageously to exchange ideas without fear or prejudice, and is reminiscent of another momentous occasion at Speakers Corner in Hyde Park on March 1st, 1955 when members from the Salvation Army rallied together under their banner for a cause they believed in passionately. But let us not forget other corners where freedom once flourished; where spirited debates echoed through time like whispers carried by winds across Downs on Sundays at "Speakers Corner. " These sacred spaces were sanctuaries for expression and dialogue – pillars upholding democracy's essence. The press too has played a pivotal role throughout history as guardians against tyranny. An illustration from L Association Mensuelle in 1834 captures this sentiment beautifully - Freedom of the Press standing tall amidst chaos with ink-stained hands holding truth aloft. Amidst these visual narratives lies hope - symbolized by a humble pencil grasped tightly by artists and activists alike. Its graphite tip etches messages onto paper canvases that ignite change within society's conscience. And then there are environmental protests - passionate gatherings demanding action against our planet's degradation. They scream out for justice using their collective voice as a weapon against apathy and ignorance.