This exhibition is free for everyone to enjoy and is part of Poole Pride
Arts University of Bournemouth in association with Bournemouth University and Lush Cosmetics present a collaborative exhibition of words and images concerning the important and sometimes overlooked history of LGBT+ activism in the UK. At the centre of this exhibition is a research project aimed at recognising the life and work of one of the more elusive figures involved in this story, campaigner, and activist John Chesterman.
John Chesterman was closely involved in the formation of the Gay Liberation Front (GLF) in 1970, as well as the production of the Gay International News. Despite an avoidance of any formalised structure, the GLF grew rapidly to become a leading voice in gay activism of the 1970’s and 80’s. As well as helping to establish the U.K.’s LGBT+ press, the GLF was also an instrumental organiser of the UK’s first ever gay pride march in 1972.
As part of this collaboration with Bournemouth University, Arts University of Bournemouth’s BA (Hons) Illustration students have been tasked with utilising the story of John Chesterman and associated historical archive as springboard for the creation of risograph printed posters, comics, and sequences. This work will sit in playful correspondence to the collected archive material and historical works relating the history of gay activism and LGBT+ culture in the UK.
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