LGBTQ+ History in Cultural Collections
Special Collections
This exhibit highlights just a few of the materials held in the University's Special Collections which relate to various aspects of LGBTQ+ history in the UK and Ireland. These materials span a range of topics, from the history of the University's LGBTQ+ Society, to historic individuals recognised as LGBTQ+, as well as clothing worn in protests.
Constitutions of the LGBTQ+ Society, 1971-2006
Take a closer look at these records here.
White t-shirt with pink triangle print surrounded by the words ‘Out and Proud!’ in black print. Copyright Sudo-1988.
First two pages of a letter from John Addington Symonds to his friend Albert Rutson [18 March 1864]
View in full here.
After Reading: letters of Oscar Wilde to Robert Ross. Beaumont Press, Westminster, 1921.
Theatre Collection
Theatre Collection is home to archive materials and a library relating to theatre and live art. This includes organisational archives, as well as the archives of individuals such as actors, directors, and set designers. Below you will find a brief taster of some of the LGBTQ+ individuals featured in the Theatre Collection archive.
Ernest Thesiger Archive
Take a closer look at these images here.
Berta Freistadt Archive
View in full here.
Ivor Novello Archive
Mander and Mitchenson Collection
Oliver Messel Archive
The University Library also has a dedicated page for LGBTQ+ history month. Please visit if you are interested in what else Library Services have to offer!
Online archive catalogue entries for collections included in this exhibit:
Special Collections
DM3231/1: Constitutions of the LGBTQ+ Society, 1971-2006
DM2123/1/Arch Box 17: White ‘Out and Proud’ t-shirt with pink triangle design. Copyright Sudo-1988
DM109/5/3/1: Part of a Letter from JAS
After Reading: Letters from Oscar Wilde - not available in online catalogue, for further viewing please contact Special Collections
Theatre Collection
IVN - Ivor Novello Memorabilia