LGBTQIA+ Heritage Researcher (Freelance)

Central to the work is working with the Clapham Grand’s researcher exploring archives of the Clapham Grand, Wandsworth’s “Palace of Varieties”, which is celebrating its 125th anniversary in November 2025. The Grand has played a key part in the history of Wandsworth’s LGBTQIA+ community over the years. 

Your work will address the gaps in representation of LGBTQIA+ cultural activity and their untold histories. The project will also interact with other Heritage Projects within the LBoC year. 

The research is intended to form the basis of a creative exhibition/sharing to coincide with LGBT+ History Month in February 2026, which you will play a key role in the design and curation of. 

We particularly welcome applications from individuals with lived experience as part of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Project Timescales: 

• June 2025 – August 2025 Research Phase
• September 2025 Presentation of findings & Evaluation
• October 2025 Exhibition/Sharing scoping and design
• November - January 2026 Exhibition/sharing planning*
• February 2026 - Exhibition/Sharing Delivery*

 *Exhibition planning and delivery is subject to a further  The Heritage Lottery Fund Application based on findings. Involvement in this second phase will include a good faith agreement on an additional fee.

 Fee

• £6,000- based on 1day/week
• inclusive of planning, research in national and local archives and community-based research. Inclusive of collaboration with Clapham Grand’s researcher.
• The commissioned researcher will work on a freelance basis and will be responsible for their own tax and national insurance contributions. Payment of fees will be made according to an agreed schedule.

Key Stakeholder Relationships

• Direct Report: Culture & Heritage Programmer
• Project Support: Wandsworth Archive and Heritage Service, Clapham Grand, wider Wandsworth Council Arts & Culture Team (facilitation and support with external stakeholder engagement in the borough).

Reporting: 

• Fortnightly project update
• Ongoing ad hoc contact with direct report as appropriate

About the London Borough of Culture (LBoC)

We are so excited that Wandsworth has been chosen by the Mayor of London to be London Borough of Culture from April 2025 - March 2026. We are delivering an inspirational year of culture where every corner of Wandsworth comes alive in an explosion of creativity, with a strong emphasis on ensuring that new opportunities are available for our young people and under-served communities, as well as uniting and enhancing our relationships with local communities.     

Key Responsibilities:

• Work under supervision to research, design, and co-curate an exhibition highlighting Wandsworth's queer heritage.
• Work in collaboration with the project partners to set a research plan to Undertake archival and community-based research on queer hidden history in Wandsworth Borough
• Build relationships with a range of community representatives and groups.
•  Explore the current LGBTQIA+ groups and communities in the borough and collect their stories.
• Reflect their stories in the end-of-project exhibition.
• Report on progress

 Skills and Qualifications: 

• Experience undertaking research, including working with LGBTQIA+ communities
• Experience presenting stories within heritage exhibitions with interactive and digital element and (if possible) live performative elements
• Interest in the history of performance including theatre, variety and other art forms
• Interest in uncovering LGBTQIA+ (his)stories
• Good organizational skills and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent communication skills and attention to detail.

To apply please send a CV and cover letter which include details on how you will approach researching and delivering this project to culture@wandsworth.gov.uk. You can also submit your cover letter as an audio or video file in spoken English or BSL (7 minutes max) 

Deadline for applications 

• 5pm Tuesday 20th May 2025
• Prospective interviews w/c 26th May 2025