This photograph depicts the arrest of activist and writer Barbara Beese. A member of the British Black Panthers, Beese was arrested for her involvement in protests against police targeting of the Mangrove, a Caribbean restaurant in Notting Hill.
Opened by Frank Critchlow in 1968, the Mangrove was a meeting place for the Black community in the area. Beese and eight other protesters became known as the Mangrove Nine. Beese was arrested and charged on several charges, and was found not guilty of all charges.
The photograph featured as part of the Touchstone programme (2012-2020). Each display consisted of a single photographic work on the Eranda studio floor where visitors were invited to respond to the question 'What do you see?' using the cards and pencils provided. A bench was placed in front of the work, encouraging people to spend a little longer than they might usually. The programme was part of a wider series of projects and activities related to visual literacy.
A selection of audience responses to the question 'What do you see?'
Installation of Black Power Demonstration and March, Notting Hill, London © Tim Bowditch
