Self-defence Class, Brick Lane
- Artist: Chris Steele-Perkins
- Date: 1980–9
- Medium: Photograph, dye destruction on paper
- Dimensions: image: 255 x 381 mm
- Museum: Tate Britain
- Collection record: Tate Britain website
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About this artwork
This is the “Self‑defence Class, Brick Lane” by Chris Steele‑Perkins. It’s a colour photograph taken in 1980–9, rendered in dye‑destruction on paper – a process that preserves high saturation while subtly altering the paper’s surface to give each print its own texture.
The image is part of Steele‑Perkins’ set *The Pleasure Principle*, which documents leisure and enjoyment across Britain during the early eighties. In this particular print we see a brick lane bustling with everyday activity: pedestrians, vehicles, shop signs – all framed in the familiar rhythm of British streetscapes. The photographer’s intent was to capture what he considered “British” rituals of happiness, the public gestures that signal identity and belief.
The photo measures roughly 255 × 381 mm on image and sits on a support of about 304 × 406 mm. It was acquired in 2016 with funds from the Photography Acquisitions Committee and has been displayed at Tate Britain ever since. In the larger collection there are forty‑four prints, including a portrait of Margaret Thatcher; together they form a visual diary of 1980s Britain, inviting us to look at the simple yet revealing scenes that define everyday life.
See it in person
Self-defence Class, Brick Lane is in the collection of Tate Britain on Millbank, London — free to enter. Point your phone at any artwork there and audioguide.london plays a free audio guide in six languages — no app download needed.
