Welcome Wandsworth is celebrating LGBTQ+ History throughout February with projects, activities and events including an exhibition, a brand new publication, an online heritage trail, workshops and a Vogue Ball.
Kicking things off this week is the Queer Wandsworth exhibition (3 Feb – 21 Feb at BAC; 4 Feb – 28 Feb at Wandsworth Town Library). Queer lives have always been part of Wandsworth. They have been lived in theatres and libraries, parks and prisons, night-time spaces and everyday neighbourhoods — even when hidden, criminalised or rarely recorded. This exhibition explores how people have found belonging, creativity and resistance across the borough. It traces how power, protest, care and pleasure have shaped queer experience, and those whose stories have been remembered - or overlooked - along the way. Alongside historic material, the exhibition includes a contemporary commission at BAC by artist Luca Bosani, responding to three stories from Wandsworth’s queer past, and celebrating artists Caroline Townshend and Joan Howson, William Hallé, and Andrew Logan. By grounding these histories in real places and lived lives, Queer Wandsworth invites you to see the borough as a landscape shaped by connection, courage and imagination.
Nick Collinson, Queer Wandsworth Heritage Researcher and Curator said: ‘It has been extraordinary uncovering the queer history of this borough. From Oscar Wilde’s imprisonment here to today’s life-affirming community services and the unforgettable events held in some of Wandsworth’s world-class venues, Queer Wandsworth tells a powerful story of resilience, creativity and belonging.’
Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Culture, Kemi Akinola, said: ‘It’s so important that we recognise the contribution of queer history and culture on modern day arts and entertainment. There are lots of things to do around the borough and it is the perfect chance to try something new. The arts are an inclusive place and we want to highlight that.’
The exhibition is accompanied by a booklet commemorating Queer Wandsworth, alongside an interactive map that allows online visitors to explore 58 places, people and stories that have shaped Wandsworth’s queer history. Use the map or list view to discover moments of community, creativity, protest and everyday life across the borough. The booklet is available to download here. And the interactive map is available here: Queer Wandsworth: Heritage Trail.
The Juicy Couture Vogue Ball on 22 Feb at the Clapham Grand will end a fabulous weekend of free vogue workshops at bbodance, supported by Welcome to Wandsworth through our Black History 365 Grants programme. At the New Way Vogue Workshop (20 Feb) join Sofi Juicy Couture for a high-energy workshop focused on clean lines, arms control, floor performance, and controlled dips. On 21 Feb join UK finest Jugu Teflar for an energising runway workshop focusing on runway fundamentals. Following this, an Open Ballroom session invited everyone with a curiosity for the ballroom scene, as well as for those in the community who want an opportunity to deepen their knowledge and have a good time. The Juicy Couture Vogue Ball will pay homage to The Disney Channel and its golden era from 90s to 00s and each category is inspired by an iconic programme or Disney original movie which every Millennial / Gen X grew up watching.
On 27 Feb, Wandsworth Heritage Service will be unveiling a new Wandsworth Green plaque to honour Hanna and Patrick Barrington. Hanna was an activist, Patrick an artist - and their home at 77 Dorothy Road was a haven to many. Born in Vienna, Hanna was a communist activist and was arrested by the Nazis. An old boyfriend helped her make her way to Paris, and she eventually came to Britain. From her home at 77 Dorothy Road, she ran a wine bar - the Corkscrew. She was a passionate supporter of LGBT rights, and after the wine bar closed Hanna took in lodgers through the LGBT telephone helpline Gay Switchboard. Her husband Patrick Barrington was born in Guyana. He came to Britain with a scholarship to study art at what is now Central St Martins. In order to make money, he trained as an engineer - but he made art throughout his life, exhibiting at the Royal Academy Summer Exhibitions during the 1970s. Many pieces of his work now reside in the National Gallery of Guyana.
As part of their 10th birthday celebrations, Wandsworth's LGBTQ+ youth charity Free2B Alliance are creating a community bunting project featuring designs from their young people alongside heritage photos from the last ten years. A good number of young people have already submitted their designs, with more still to come, each one celebrating what our support means to them. They’re also collecting video messages from community members past and present to accompany the bunting which show the impact Free2B has had over the last decade.
Justine Simons OBE, London’s Deputy Mayor of Culture and Creative Industries, said: ‘London’s cultural identity owes so much to our LGBTQ+ communities. Wandsworth’s month-long celebration is a powerful tribute to the borough’s queer history. From the Queer Wandsworth exhibition to the New Way Vogue Workshop and The Juicy Couture Vogue Ball, this fantastic series of events is an important addition to the borough’s year as the Mayor’s London Borough of Culture, as we build a better London for everyone.’