A year of unrest

Reg Lancaster's photographs of the Paris Riots and Prague Spring

"1968 was a year of political unrest and social change, there were worldwide protests for civil liberties and demonstrations against the Vietnam War. It was in the context of this global struggle for political democracy and personal freedom that the Paris Riots and Prague Spring took place. 

Both events were covered by Fleet Street photographer Reg Lancaster, a staff photographer for the Daily Express and based in Paris at the time. 

In France it was the student population who were challenging the status quo and railing against the establishment, later to be joined by disenchanted workers. In May a series of student strikes broke out at a number of universities in Paris and the escalating conflict ended up on the streets. 

Reg's photographs document the riots in progress and the tension between rebellious protesters and riot police is palpable. 

Reg worked for the Daily Express for forty four years, in its heyday the Express had the largest staffed press photographer's team covering foreign assignments around the world. Reg was a versatile photographer taking images of everything from sport to celebrity but all with the same keen eye for detail.

"

Police Prepare, Reg Lancaster, 1968-05-14, From the collection of: Getty Images
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Expressive faces of riot police preparing to fire tear gas on the crowds.

Free Expression, Reg Lancaster, 1968-05-14, From the collection of: Getty Images
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Riot debris and missiles litter the road.

Student Riot, Reg Lancaster, 1968-05-14, From the collection of: Getty Images
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"Left, May 14th. A volatile situation as a watchful crowd facing the police appear ready for confrontation. 

A photographer, clutching his camera is on the move. On the street a discarded shoe is left in haste. In the bottom right hand corner of the image a protester runs towards us clutching what looks like a brick. The air is hazy with tear gas.

"

Police Face Students, Reg Lancaster, 1968-05-14, From the collection of: Getty Images
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Protesters join arms in a display of solidarity. 

Paris Riots, Reg Lancaster, 1968-05-14, From the collection of: Getty Images
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Paris Riots, Reg Lancaster, 1968-05-14, From the collection of: Getty Images
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Paris Riots, Reg Lancaster, 1968-05-14, From the collection of: Getty Images
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Police line up to confront students in the 5th Arrondissement.

In Custody, Reg Lancaster, 1968-05-14, From the collection of: Getty Images
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Medics and police carry a wounded man.

Paris Riots, Reg Lancaster, 1968-05-14, From the collection of: Getty Images
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"Left, the riot turns violent and some protesters are on the ground. Press photographers caught up in the action take refuge in a doorway whilst another photographs the police as they surge forward with their batons raised. 

The bloodied face of a casualty who is helped by another student whilst the group behind them clasp their hands on their heads."

Student Riots, Reg Lancaster, 1968-05-13, From the collection of: Getty Images
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Riot Shields, Reg Lancaster, 1968-05-01, From the collection of: Getty Images
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Police shelter behind their riot shields in preparation for the next clash.

Paris Confrontation, Reg Lancaster, 1968-05-01, From the collection of: Getty Images
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Students join arms in a stand off with the police, a number of protesters can be seen wearing helmets as a means of protection.

Paris Riots, Reg Lancaster, 1968-05-14, From the collection of: Getty Images
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A policeman and photographer take cover, both armed for their respective roles.

Paris Uprising, Reg Lancaster, 1968-05-01, From the collection of: Getty Images
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Riot Police, Reg Lancaster, 1968-05-01, From the collection of: Getty Images
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Images taken from behind the police line provide an interesting perspective.

Teargas, Reg Lancaster, 1968-06-17, From the collection of: Getty Images
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A lone policeman throws a tear gas canister in an attempt to disperse the crowds.

Baton Charge, Reg Lancaster, 1968-06-17, From the collection of: Getty Images
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Riot police charge forward as they act to clear the streets of protesters.

Riot Rubble, Reg Lancaster, 1968-05-01, From the collection of: Getty Images
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Parisians resume the business of everyday life, clambering over rubble left in the streets after the student riots.

Czech Crisis, Reg Lancaster, 1968-08-27, From the collection of: Getty Images
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"In August of the same year Reg was in Czechoslovakia to photograph the crisis in Prague. 

The Prague Spring is the term used to describe the brief period when popular Communist Party leader Alexander Dubcek attempted to introduce a programme of reform and loosening of censorship. 

Despite efforts to reassure the Soviet leadership that Czechoslovakia had no intention of leaving the Warsaw Pact the move towards a more liberal approach to government was viewed by the Soviet Union as a threat and armed intervention was decreed necessary. 

Left, 27th August. Students in Wenceslas Square, Prague, flying a banner emblazoned with the name of
Czechoslovakian general secretary Alexander Dubcek.

Right, an emotive image as tearful crowds holding flowers congregate in Prague to confront the Russian invaders."

Czech Crowd, Reg Lancaster, 1968-09-28, From the collection of: Getty Images
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Tanks In Prague, Reg Lancaster, 1968-08-27, From the collection of: Getty Images
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T 55 Russian tanks on the streets of Prague as the Soviets seize power in Czechoslovakia.

Czech Crisis, Express Newspapers, 1968-01-01, From the collection of: Getty Images
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Students inspecting a tank.

Children Play, Express Newspapers, 1968-01-01, From the collection of: Getty Images
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Two children play on a parked tank.

Czech Crisis, Reg Lancaster, 1968-08-29, From the collection of: Getty Images
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Relaxed troops lounge on their jeeps and tanks but their manner is watchful.

Uniformed Protestors, Reg Lancaster, 1968-08-29, From the collection of: Getty Images
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Soldiers join protesters. The close observation of the soldier's expression provides a level of visual intimacy which is echoed in others in this set. 

Student Protest, Reg Lancaster, 1968-08-29, From the collection of: Getty Images
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Students burn Russian newspapers in an act of peaceful defiance. 

Tanks In Prague, Reg Lancaster, 1968-08-29, From the collection of: Getty Images
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The people of Prague go about their business as a tank sits ominously in the background.

Crisis Update, Reg Lancaster, 1968-08-29, From the collection of: Getty Images
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A group listen intently to the radio hoping to hear the latest news on the invasion. 

Czech Uprising, Reg Lancaster, 1968-08-29, From the collection of: Getty Images
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Angry Czech youth attacking a Soviet Tank.

Czech Crisis, Reg Lancaster, 1968-09-03, From the collection of: Getty Images
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Students distribute underground literature in Wenceslas Square in protest against the Soviet occupation of their country

Weeping Woman, Reg Lancaster, 1968-08-28, From the collection of: Getty Images
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At the funeral of one of the victims of the fighting. A grieving woman is central to this somber dark image, the pale comforting hand on her shoulder an added degree of pathos. 

Czech Crisis, Reg Lancaster, 1968-08-28, From the collection of: Getty Images
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Remains of the barricades.

Czech Crisis, Reg Lancaster, 1968-08-27, From the collection of: Getty Images
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Crowds in Wenceslas Square.

Whistle Protest, Reg Lancaster, 1968-08-29, From the collection of: Getty Images
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Crowds whistle in protest to the Soviet occupation. 

Soviet Troops, Reg Lancaster, 1968-09-10, From the collection of: Getty Images
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Soviet troops march through the centre of Prague. 

Niet, Reg Lancaster, 1968-09-28, From the collection of: Getty Images
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A sea of hands, protesting against the invasion.

Credits: Story

Curator - Archive Research Manager—Caroline Theakstone

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.

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