The Lesbian Archive
The Lesbian Archive and Information Centre (LAIC) was set up in London in 1984 and contains the UK’s largest and most significant collection of materials about lesbian lives, activism and achievements.
The Archive relocated to Glasgow Women’s Library in 1995.
The LAIC Timeline
This timeline highlights some of the more hidden facets of mainly British lesbian history through magazines, journals, newspaper clippings, badges and ephemera that are all held in the Lesbian Archive and Information Centre. The LAIC Timeline was put together by a small team of volunteers at the LAIC who got stuck into some of the less explored corners of the Archive in order to bring you these gems.
History on Wheels!
Community & youth groups can borrow the LAIC’s Reminiscence Box for a refundable deposit of £20. Inside is a collection of original and duplicate material from the Lesbian Archive and a guide to provide background to the objects and discussion points.
The Collection
Items in the Archive date back to the turn of the century and the collection includes copies of Urania (a ‘first-wave feminism’ magazine published between 1918 and 1938) and a range of lesbian and gay magazines from the 1950s onwards.
There are books, magazines, journals, newsletters, videos, badges, posters, t-shirts, leaflets, banners, tapes, photos, letters, diaries, conference papers, manuscripts, oral histories – anything that records the lives of lesbians from all backgrounds and all walks of life. Everything in the archive has been donated by lesbians and those committed to the preservation of lesbian history.
The Jackie Forster legacy
Jackie Forster, broadcaster, comedian, lesbian activist and founder of Sappho magazine was an active member of the LAIC Management Committee from 1992 until her death in October 1998. In 1997 a BBC film crew came to the archive to film Jackie for a programme about her life which was to be part of ‘The Day That Changed My Life’ series. Her work has made a huge impact on shaping the archive. You can hire this inspiring documentary on video from the Library.
History of the archive: London to Glasgow
LAIC was established as The Lesbian Archives Collective in 1984, receiving grant funding from the Greater London Council. After the withdrawal of this funding after the dissolution of this Council, LAIC found itself in financial difficulties and without a permanent base. The collections were therefore sent to Glasgow in September 1995 to be housed in the upper floor of the Glasgow Women’s Library. In 1996, LAIC accepted the archives and library of the Camden Lesbian Centre and Black Lesbian Group as a complete collection.
Getting involved
The work and success of the Archive depends on the help and involvement of all lesbians. Every lesbian can contribute something of her own. You can support us in the following ways:
- Donate materials
- Visit and become a member
- Take out a standing order
- Participate in the Oral History Project
- Tell your friends about us
- Become a volunteer
What can I donate?
The Lesbian Archive has no money at present for purchasing materials, such as books and magazines and periodicals, and therefore relies on individuals and publishing houses to donate materials. You don’t have to give books. Read more about the LAIC’s Donation Policy here, or contact the Library to discuss your donation and to arrange delivery/collection.
Access
The Archive is currently in storage, and will not be accessible until we move to the Mitchell Library. However, if you have a specific research request, or something in particular that you wish to see, we will do our best to help you.
Read more about GWL’s relocation, or contact the Library for more information.
