Skip to main content
Society for Co-operation in Russian & Soviet Studies celebrates 100 years of cultural work
SCRSS

THE Brixton, London, headquarters of the Society for Co-operation in Russian & Soviet Studies (SCRSS) was packed for celebrations of its centenary on Saturday.

Authors and academics specialising in Soviet and Russian culture rubbed shoulders with socialist campaigners as society president Bill Bowring and chair Philip Matthews spoke of its foundation in 1924, when it aimed to cut through the “cordon sanitaire” erected around Soviet Russia and promote scientific and cultural exchanges in the year Britain elected its first ever Labour government, on a manifesto that included diplomatic recognition of the USSR.

The society opened its new exhibition, A History of the SCRSS in 100+ Objects, which includes photos, publications and rare artefacts from a century of cultural work, and Jane Rosen signed copies of her new book on the subject, with a title, An Unpopular Cause, that will resonate with many tireless left activists.

Support the Morning Star
You can read five articles for free every month,
but please consider supporting us by becoming a subscriber.
Liberation webinar, 30 November2024, 6pm (UK)
More from this author
Burnt cars remain in the middle of a street following the re
Features / 22 March 2025
22 March 2025
Ben Chacko asks NIZAR TRABULSI of the now banned Syrian Communist Party (Unified) to explain the country's turbulent, and violent, post-Assad scene
Delegates chat as they leave the Great Hall of the People af
Features / 22 March 2025
22 March 2025
From renewable tech to alternatives to the dollar, BEN CHACKO was encouraged by an optimistic meeting held by the China Media Group this week
Aslef general secretary Mick Whelan (centre) on the picket l
Features / 22 February 2025
22 February 2025
Aslef general secretary MICK WHELAN speaks to Ben Chacko about rail renationalisation, the Employment Rights Bill and why we shouldn’t write off this Labour government
Similar stories
A crowd of people at Heathrow Airport, who had waited to see
Features / 10 March 2025
10 March 2025
MAT COWARD recalls the occasion when the first man in space paid a visit to our shores in 1961
SCRSS
Books / 18 October 2024
18 October 2024
CHRISTINE LINDEY marvels at a history of the Society for Cultural Relations with the USSR
Julius (left) and Ethel Rosenberg became symbols of the seve
Features / 15 September 2024
15 September 2024
An NSA codebreaker’s 1950 assessment reveals Ethel Rosenberg knew of her husband’s espionage but ‘did not engage in the work herself’ — despite this, the US sent her to die in the electric chair, writes ANDREW TUCKER
George Bernard Shaw attends a socialist rally as part of the
Features / 12 July 2024
12 July 2024
From EM Forster to the Soviet War Memorial, the society has fostered British-Russian understanding through turbulent times. Its legacy remains vital today, writes JANE ROSEN