The proposed national museum of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans history will incorporate a permanent exhibition examining life from the late 19th century to the present day, a research and study centre, and a temporary exhibition space.
A possible site in the King's Cross redevelopment area has been identified. A listed building, formerly stables, could act as the display area and a new building is planned next door. But the proposed date for the museum is currently under wraps.
Jack Gilbert, the director of the Proud Heritage Trust that will run the museum, said: 'There is a huge thirst in the community now to make our heritage more visible, show how it is understood and to discuss it alongside other types of minority heritage.' The trust has the support of Stonewall, the national lesbian and gay pressure group.
The trust is currently undertaking a mapping exercise to discover the relevant holdings in mus-eums, libraries and archives across the UK. The results will establish the first nationwide listings of such items. Photographs of gay army officers in one regimental archive is an early find.
John Beckerson, the curator of social and community history at the Museum of St Albans, will join the core group of the Proud Heritage Trust in his spare time. He said: 'I don't think the mus-eum sector has ever been asked these questions [about gay heritage].'
Proud Heritage is also inviting interested institutions within the sector to contact them to discuss potential partnerships over the next three years.
Gilbert said: 'We understand the challenge of setting up a new museum, and particularly the challenge with the subject matter we wish to pursue. The project will meet the high Spectrum and national standards.'
He continued: 'What we are proposing is a workable business. It will not rely on public funding.'
He said one aim of the museum was to educate lesbians and gays, as well as the wider community. 'Within our communities, there's no culture of communication between generations. Everyone has a little piece of the jigsaw but most don't have a wider picture. We are still learning how to convey our heritage and history.'
The plans for the museum will be officially launched, and the trust's partners announced, at the end of August.
jackgilbert@proudheritage.org
Felicity Heywood
A possible site in the King's Cross redevelopment area has been identified. A listed building, formerly stables, could act as the display area and a new building is planned next door. But the proposed date for the museum is currently under wraps.
Jack Gilbert, the director of the Proud Heritage Trust that will run the museum, said: 'There is a huge thirst in the community now to make our heritage more visible, show how it is understood and to discuss it alongside other types of minority heritage.' The trust has the support of Stonewall, the national lesbian and gay pressure group.
The trust is currently undertaking a mapping exercise to discover the relevant holdings in mus-eums, libraries and archives across the UK. The results will establish the first nationwide listings of such items. Photographs of gay army officers in one regimental archive is an early find.
John Beckerson, the curator of social and community history at the Museum of St Albans, will join the core group of the Proud Heritage Trust in his spare time. He said: 'I don't think the mus-eum sector has ever been asked these questions [about gay heritage].'
Proud Heritage is also inviting interested institutions within the sector to contact them to discuss potential partnerships over the next three years.
Gilbert said: 'We understand the challenge of setting up a new museum, and particularly the challenge with the subject matter we wish to pursue. The project will meet the high Spectrum and national standards.'
He continued: 'What we are proposing is a workable business. It will not rely on public funding.'
He said one aim of the museum was to educate lesbians and gays, as well as the wider community. 'Within our communities, there's no culture of communication between generations. Everyone has a little piece of the jigsaw but most don't have a wider picture. We are still learning how to convey our heritage and history.'
The plans for the museum will be officially launched, and the trust's partners announced, at the end of August.
jackgilbert@proudheritage.org
Felicity Heywood
