Pip: Tell us about your archive and how you got into photographing protests?

Angela Christofilou: In 2015, I attended a protest in Trafalgar Square. Around that time a friend had also given me a proper DSLR camera to start using, as up until then I was only shooting with a basic compact one. I am a self-taught photographer. So I had the new camera with me and started taking some pictures. The protest was organized by Sisters Uncut and we were protesting Government cuts to domestic abuse services, and calling for an end to violence against women. I am a survivor of intimate partner violence, so this protest meant a lot to me. I returned home and started editing the images. I felt inspired by seeing all the protestors in my images standing up against gender-based violence and using their voices, it was so incredibly powerful.

From that point on I felt that I wanted to start photographing more and more, and I haven't really stopped documenting protests since then. I have photographed a wide range of protests, ranging from very small actions of just 11 people, to larger-scale bigger movements, and these include university occupations, workers’ rights, disabled people against cuts, LGBTQ+ protests, women's rights, marches to end police brutality, justice for cleaners, sex workers rights, animal rights, climate change, Trans pride, Black Lives Matter, protests calling for peace in Afghanistan, Ukraine and Palestine and more.

A few years ago, I realized that I had to do something with all these photos, and that's when I met Stefan [Dickers] and started archiving with the Bishopsgate Institute. I hope that this body of work will inspire someone to stand up for their rights.

Pip: Are there any women you've taken inspiration from or who have influenced you?

Angela Christofilou: I am very inspired by all the women I meet and photograph when I attend protests, the ones that speak up and stand up for themselves and for our rights.

My Grandma, who is turning 95 this month, has inspired me to be a mentally stronger person and my Mum for her loving and caring nature.