Graffiti in the 18th century became a language of rebellion and political commentary, transforming from a primarily religious purpose.
Graffiti serves as a valuable source for understanding past societies, providing insights into their thoughts, experiences, and lives.
Graffiti, whether historical or modern, captures personal experiences, hidden histories, and serves as a form of self-expression, conveying thoughts and emotions.
Deep dives
Graffiti Through Time
Graffiti has a long history, with examples ranging from medieval marks in churches to modern street art. In the 18th century, graffiti underwent a revolution and became a form of rebellion and self-expression. It was seen as a dangerous language that challenged those in power. Today, graffiti continues to be a powerful and controversial medium, with examples like Banksy's street art gaining recognition and value. The act of leaving one's mark on a surface has a timeless appeal, allowing individuals to assert their presence in the world and leave behind a trace of their existence.
Graffiti as a Language of Rebellion
In the 18th century, graffiti started being used as a form of protest and dissent. Political figures like John Wilkes used graffiti to rally their supporters and spread their message. This marked a shift from graffiti primarily serving religious or superstitious purposes to becoming a means of personal expression and political commentary. This transformation of graffiti as a language of rebellion and self-expression continues to influence modern graffiti culture.
Graffiti as a Historical Archive
Graffiti serves as a tangible and immediate link to the past. It provides valuable insights into the thoughts, experiences, and lives of people who are often otherwise forgotten by history. Graffiti can be found in various locations, from the Tower of London with graffiti left by prisoners to stone circles like Avebury. It allows archaeologists and historians to reconstruct the social, cultural, and political landscapes of different time periods. From an innate human desire to leave one's mark to the impact of specific historical contexts, graffiti provides a unique perspective on history.
The Power of Graffiti: Exploring History and Self-Expression
Graffiti, both historical and modern, holds a unique power in capturing moments in time and expressing the thoughts and emotions of individuals. It can be found in various forms, from carvings in stone to paintings on walls. Historian Maddie Pelling explores the significance of graffiti by uncovering stories of individuals who left their mark throughout history. She delves into the graffiti found in ancient ruins, the messages left behind by prisoners and poets, and even the personal stories reflected in tree carvings. Through her research, Pelling highlights the power of graffiti to convey personal experiences, share hidden histories, and serve as a form of self-expression.
The Mysteries of the Past: Ghostly Encounters and Tarot Reading
In this episode, historian Maddie Pelling shares her experiences with unexplainable events and her belief in the power of ghosts and tarot. She recounts a particularly chilling encounter in her renovated house, where she heard a distressing male voice moving throughout the room and under the floorboards. Pelling also delves into her fascination with tarot cards, viewing them as more than just a way to predict the future, but as a tool for self-reflection and prompting meaningful conversations. Through her research and personal experiences, Pelling examines the power and significance of these supernatural elements in shaping culture, history, and personal journeys.
Dr Madeleine (Maddy) Pelling is an historian, writer and broadcaster. Her first book, Writing on the Wall: Graffiti, Rebellion and the Making of Eighteenth-Century Britain, is out in March 2024. Maddy is co-host of History Hit's After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds and the Paranormal, and is a regular on TV and her words appear in The Guardian, The Independent, BBC History Magazine and History Today.
You can get in touch with Dan Schreiber on Twitter and Instagram (@Schreiberland). In his bio, you'll find the link to our Discord channel - a global community of likeminded weirdos!
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