Gay and lesbian news archive moves to London
The UK’s only national independent LGBT news archive is moving to London.
The Lesbian and Gay Newsmedia Archive (LAGNA) is currently housed at Middlesex University’s Cat Hill campus but will move to the Bishopsgate Institute this month before the Cat Hill campus closes.
The archive holds almost 200,000 press cuttings from the mainstream media, from the mid-19th century onwards. It also has a reference library, photographs and collections of badges and t-shirts.
Although open to all, it is mainly used by researchers interested in cultural, political and social LGBT history.
Sarah Waters, the award-winning lesbian author, said: “LAGNA is unique, a living, accessible archive offering wonderful glimpses of ordinary and extraordinary lives.
“It’s an invaluable resource not just for historians of the lesbian and gay community, but for anyone interested in British social history.
“I am thrilled to know that it has found a new champion in the form of the Bishopsgate Institute, an establishment with a longstanding commitment to nurturing independent thought. Really, LAGNA and the Bishopsgate Institute: it’s a civil partnership made in heaven.”
LAGNA chair Robert Thompson added: “We’re delighted about our move from the outskirts of north London to Bishopsgate Institute’s more central location in the City.
“We especially look forward to the exhibitions and seminars we’ll be able to put on in Bishopsgate’s wonderful building. We anticipate a long and fruitful partnership and the continuing development of the collection for current and future generations.”
The move will take place on January 19th, with the archive re-opening shortly afterwards.
A launch event will take place on February 22nd during LGBT History Month at the Bishopsgate Library.
For more information on the archive and volunteering, visit lagna.org.uk.
