The great scramble… Through the eyes of more witnesses

The exhibition “Wielka zadyma through the eyes of subsequent witnesses” is dedicated to the incidents that took place forty-one years ago in Wrocław. The photographs presented on it depict the demonstrations that took place on the second anniversary of the Solidarity Trade Union, August 31, 1982. Those taking part in them demanded the release of those convicted, arrested and interned for their trade union activities, the reactivation of independent social organizations, the lifting of martial law and the conclusion of a social settlement. This is the second installment of a series devoted to this event. A year ago, colour photographs (a rarity at the time) by Jerzy Lajstowicz were exhibited. They concerned the events that took place on Odrzańska street.

The black and white, hitherto unpublished photographs presented at the current exhibition show the demonstrations that took place on the streets: Legnicka, Młodych Techników, Tęczowa, Zachodnia and Zygmunta Krasińskiego, squares: Orląt Lwowskich and Strzegomski and Trasa W-Z. They were taken by Bogdan Konopka, Elżbieta Sulima and three unknown persons.

Some of the photographs clearly show the faces of the demonstrators. The organizers are hoping for help in establishing their names and clarifying who the unknown authors of the photos are.