Until 14 September 2008
Room 69a
Admission free
Five billion badges were made in China during the Cultural
Revolution (1966-76). This movement was intended to overhaul the
‘old’ ideology, but brought extreme politics and chaos into
everyday life. Badges were worn as part of the everyday dress code,
and as an expression of loyalty to Chairman Mao and the Communist
Party of China.
Most of the badges bear a portrait of Mao. Some refer to scenes
from his life, political events, his speeches, writings and poetry.
Symbols of international Communism also feature alongside
traditional Chinese designs on the badges and in other media. In
China today, Mao badges are still collected, and the imagery of the
Cultural Revolution continues to be used in many different
ways.
The objects in the display include badges, posters, books and
currency from the 1930s to the present day.
Image caption: Badge depicting Mao,
based on a famous painting by Liu Chunhua