For Whom the Bell Tolled: Russia’s Revolutionary Thinkers
Herrick Gallery, Mayfair, 2018

 Following the centenary of the Russian Revolution, this exhibition focused on the social and political ideas of the mid-19th century intelligentsia: thinkers of the 1840s such as Alexander Herzen who, in their steadfast defence of liberty and belief in the notion of the individual self, stood in stark contrast to the dehumanizing philosophies of the radical revolutionaries who were to follow them.

The unique role played by literature and the written word in 19th century Russian history, of crucial importance in the proliferation of these ideas, was shown within this collection of rare books and prints from leading antiquarian book dealer Shapero Rare Books.

A temporary exhibition occupying a Mayfair art gallery for one week. To achieve the restricted budget we ‘hacked’ Ikea products, using their lights and trestle legs and machined kitchen worktops to receive the acrylic lids and graphic panels.