Details
Targeted by:
At least spied on:
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Overview

The Progressive Cultural Association was part of the Communist Party of England (CPE-ML) and its successor organisation the Revolutionary Communist Party of Britain. 

The group performed concerts and featured in other events that aligned with the party’s policies. Its former chair Cornelius Cardew was a noted experimental musician. 

The Progressive Cultural Association featured in reports by HN13 ‘Desmond (Barry) Loader’ from 1977-1978 and from HN19 ‘Malcolm Shearing’ in 1981-1985. Despite being a front for the CPE(ML) and its successor group, the Progressive Cultural Association featured in SDS annual reports as a separate entity.

Reports

CSV
Date
Originator
MPS-UCPI
Title
Metropolitan Police Special Branch
UCPI0000017425
Report on a meeting of the Progressive Cultural Association, held 31 Winchester Rd NW3 on 15 May 1977
Metropolitan Police Special Branch
UCPI0000017546
Report on meeting of Progressive Cultural Association inc dicussion of a proposed anti-monarchy campaign, held at the Recreation Ground, 31 Winchester Rd NW3 on 26 June 1977
Metropolitan Police Special Branch
UCPI0000011057
Report on a small social by the Communist Party of England (Marxist-Leninist)  inc performance of Progressive Cultural Association play, held at the Lord Palmerton pub on 11 July 1977
Metropolitan Police Special Branch
UCPI0000010947
Report on the inaugural meeting of the East London People's Front with major anti-fascist focus, held at the Methodist Church Hall, Barking on 25 Aug 1977, inc its bulletin leaflet
Metropolitan Police Special Branch
UCPI0000010955
Report containing a list of attendees at Progressive Cultural Association concerts in recent months who gave their contact details to organisers (two pages, wholly redacted)
Metropolitan Police Special Branch
UCPI0000011664
Report on two events planned by the Communist Party of England (Marxist-Leninist); 'denounce the sham of India's Republic Day' at East Ham Town Hall on 28 Jan, and 'British Imperialism Get Out of Ireland' concert at Trinity Community Centre E12 on 29 Jan
Metropolitan Police Special Branch
MPS-0728981
SDS Annual Report 1977
Metropolitan Police Special Branch
MPS-0728964
SDS Annual Report 1978, inc Home Office letter authorising continuation
Metropolitan Police Special Branch
MPS-0730904
SDS Annual Report 1982, inc Home Office letter authorising continuation
Metropolitan Police Special Branch
MPS-0730903
SDS Annual Report 1983, inc Home Office letter authorising continuation