Test Dept ‘Fuel to Fight’ Poster

This is the classic ‘Fuel to Fight’ Poster from the Test Dept Striking Miners Tour of 1984.

This poster and its design summed up the period that Test Dept were working in and the political aesthetics that they wanted to convey. They worked with a group of striking miners who formed a choir to perform on a tour with Test Dept to raise awareness and money for the striking miners in their battle with the Thatcher government of 1984. Although the strike was to end in defeat many great friendships and alliances were made. Test Dept members still to this day go to the Durham Miners Gala, an annual event celebrating Trade Unionism and the Mining history of this country and they also continue to support the Orgreave Truth and Justice Campaign (See – http://otjc.org.uk ).

This Poster with its Russian Constructivist inspired design is a classic example of Test Dept’s political position and aesthetic. Test Dept were very inspired by the Russian constructivist artists and for those who are interested please look up the work of these key members: Alexander Rodchenko, Liubov Popova, Vladimir Tatlin, Olga Rozanova, Alexandra Exter, Naum Gabo, El Lissitzky, Antoine Pevsner, Kasimir Malevich and Alexander Vesnin.