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.

Russian guest speaker Margarita Mudrak, chair of the St Petersburg Association for International Co-operation, thanked members for overcoming political divides through friendship, and cut a centenary cake before attendees toasted the achievement with vodka.

Find out more about the SCRSS at scrss.org.uk.