Marking the up-coming 50th anniversary of the decriminalisation of homosexuality in Britain, this conference explores how LGBTQ+ artists working between c.1885-1967 shaped the unique nature of the creative arts in Britain.

Convened by Reina Lewis, London College of Fashion, UAL, and Andrew Stephenson, University of East London, the symposium analyses a broad range of same-sex artistic identities, creative practices and representational strategies demonstrating how the vibrant fabric of British culture has benefitted from the exceptional talents and energies of queer artists, designers and creative practitioners.

Papers will examine how the unorthodox collaborations and lifestyles of queer individuals and groups working in Britain or abroad contributed to the dynamic vitality of Britian’s rich creative culture.