London Metropolitan Archives (LMA) has taken receipt of more than 150 hours of video archive from the AIDSSinceThe80s project to create the largest video archive of HIV/AIDS memories and storytelling in the UK.

The collection comprises more than 100 interviews with survivors, partners, relatives, health workers, charity founders, and medical researchers to provide an unparalleled resource that illustrates how the virus - and attitudes towards those affected by it - has impacted upon society.

It will be stored and maintained indefinitely as a public record at the City of London Corporation’s Clerkenwell-based archives.

The handover took place in the Livery Hall at Guildhall earlier this week, in front of over 200 guests - including interviewees, community activists, historians, donors, and celebrities.

AIDSSinceThe80s has also announced that it is creating the National HIV Story Trust (NHST) charity which, it says, will aim to build upon the existing archive by sharing stories about HIV/AIDS.

Paul Coleman, one of the creators of the AIDSSinceThe80s project, said:

“This is an incredible moment in preserving a piece of recent history that is already being forgotten, and we are also addressing the next generation’s enthusiasm to learn about the virus, and the impact that it has had on society since the 1980s.

“We are hugely grateful to the LMA and to the survivors, friends, relatives, medical staff, charity workers and many more who have told their story on camera. We now want to make this incredible video into a feature film, various arts projects, and a website to ensure that this unique period of recent history is not forgotten.”

Nick Thorogood, from the National HIV Story Trust, said:

“As time moves on, we must not forget the extraordinary people, their sacrifices, their compassion and their stories that came from a time when the virus was headline news across the world.

“The National HIV Story Trust will work hard to ensure that, not only do we build on the incredible archive we have already shot, but that we create new opportunities for educational materials, researchers and for anyone interested in learning more about HIV/AIDS and by doing so, we will keep making positive history.”

Catherine McGuinness, Chair of Policy and Resources at the City of London Corporation, said:

“This is a truly remarkable and momentous addition to London Metropolitan Archives, helping to ensure that the experiences of those featured in this archive will never be forgotten.

“The City of London is open to all, and its strength is through its diversity. We are striving to be the best leader that we can be in equality and inclusion.

“The receipt of this truly unique archive stands testament to that commitment, and I am pleased that future generations will now have the opportunity to benefit from this invaluable resource.”

The LMA is owned, funded, and managed by the City of London Corporation on behalf of London and the nation. It is London’s archive service, collecting, preserving, celebrating and sharing the stories of London and Londoners and its many communities through collaboration, innovation and learning. The documents and books which the LMA care for, and provide access to, date from 1067 to the present day - and collections are constantly expanding. The archives are free to use, as are the majority of resources in the public research rooms in Clerkenwell, London.

The City of London Corporation is leading the development of Culture Mile along with its core partners the Barbican, Guildhall School of Music & Drama, London Symphony Orchestra, and Museum of London. Stretching from Farringdon to Moorgate, Culture Mile is a multi-million-pound investment which will create a new cultural and creative destination for London over the next 10 to 15 years. This includes £110m funding from the City Corporation to support the Museum of London’s move to West Smithfield and £4.9m to support the detailed business case for the proposed Centre for Music.

ENDS

Notes to editors

Paul Coleman from AIDSSinceThe80s; Nick Thorogood from the National HIV Story Trust; and Charlotte Scott from London Metropolitan Archives are available for interview.

For more information, please contact:

Andrew Buckingham, Media Officer, City of London Corporation

Tel: 020 7332 1452 / Mobile: 07795 333060 / Email andrew.buckingham@cityoflondon.gov.uk

The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK. www.cityoflondon.gov.uk