This temporary British Library exhibition to mark the 100 year anniversary of the Russian Revolution told the story through around 200 objects including posters, letters, photographs, banners, weapons, items of uniform, recordings and film. As well as giving an overview of the momentous events of the period, the exhibition also focused on the lives of ordinary people, using letters, diaries and photographs.

An introduction area presented two maps showing the vastness of the Russian Empire and suggesting the opulence of the Tsar’s palace with crystal chandeliers and dramatic red drapes. As visitors descended the stairs, the red drapes give way to a large red structure – called The Red Line –  that wound though the gallery carrying the visitor through the timeline of events. This was composed of simple steel ladder frames connected by solid panels or printed semi-transparent fabric-covered frames printed with imagery of the mass of people from all social strata, caught up in the revolution. A larger high space, encircled with semi-transparent threads, recalled a forest clearing. Here, the Civil War was presented, including a large projected map showing the extent of the war and factions involved.

Later sections looked at the spread of revolution around the world, the formation of the communist state and the legacy of revolutionary film and literature.

View all the winning work from The Annual 2018 here.

Entrant: Hara Clark Ltd. Exhibition Designers: Hara Clark, Robin Clark. Graphic Designer: Fernando Lai Couto. DHA Designs. Lighting Designer: David Robertson. Clay Interactive. Audio Visual Designers: Chris Owens, Anthony Pearson.