Crafted With Pride : Queer Craft and Activism in Contemporary Britain

Author: Fountain, Daniel (Manchester Metropolitan University, UK)

Reference, information & interdisciplinary subjects

Published on 1 July 2023 by Intellect Books in the United Kingdom.

Paperback / softback | 184 pages, 21 Halftones, black and white; 20 Halftones, colour
149 x 211 x 13 | 242g

Explores queer craft and the material cultures of LGBTQ+ activism in Britain since the 1980s. From handmade clothing and protest banners to radical self-published zines and manifestos, there is a long history of using craft and DIY processes to explore identities, bring communities together, and encourage social and political change. Yet, many of these histories remain undocumented and are insufficiently researched.

This collection sheds light on these important histories and includes a range of contributions from academics, artists, activists, curators, and heritage professionals. Case studies discussed include Greenham Common Women's Peace Camp, the Museum of Transology, Lesbians and Gay Men Support the Miners (LGSM), the UK AIDS Memorial Quilt, Islington's Pride, Queer Zine Library, Glasgow Women's Library, Queer Journeys, and more. These critical essays and oral histories are complemented by short reflections from contemporary creative practitioners including Matt Smith, Tanoa Sasraku, Sarah-Joy Ford, Rachael House and Raisa Kabir.

Taken together, this collection weaves together an important web between craft, queerness, and activism in Britain. As the first book of its kind, it will likely be of interest to a range of students and academics, as well as cultural producers and creatives more broadly.