Poll Tax Piece

Stephen Dixon made this work in response to the 1990 ‘Community Charge’ (known as the ‘Poll Tax’) introduced by the Conservative British Government led by Margaret Thatcher. A flat-rate sum payable by all British citizens, regardless of income and wealth, the Poll Tax sparked widespread criticism. This vessel is decorated with a cast of characters in the style of newspaper cartoons. The ungainly figure of Britannia represents Margaret Thatcher, while the lion and the unicorn are symbols of England and Scotland, respectively. The violence of the scene implies the negative impact of the Poll Tax on the country and reflects the ideological struggles brought on by its introduction.

[above text from 'History Repeats Itself' exhibition 17/02/18 - 07/10/18]

Purchased with assistance from Arts Council England/Victoria & Albert Museum Purchase Grant Fund