How the British Museum preserves the history of LGBTQ+ activism through small badges
In short: Philip Attwood, Keeper of Coins and Medals, showcases a collection of roughly 400 LGBTQ+ badges held by the British Museum. These artifacts serve as a vital record of socio-political history, documenting the symbols and slogans that defined decades of demonstrations and Pride celebrations.
For the past 35 years, Philip Attwood has curated this unique collection, which is housed within the museum's Coins and Medals department. The items include iconic symbols such as the pink triangle, the lambda, and the rainbow flag, capturing the visual language of the LGBTQ+ rights movement.
The collection traces its roots back to at least 1987, when the museum featured a display of '100 years of CAMP BADGES' in its Pride programme. By preserving these badges, the museum ensures that the evolving history of the community remains a permanent part of the historical record.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Wear with Pride: LGBTQ+ badges at the British Museum | Curator's Corner S2 Ep3 #CuratorsCorner
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