Gordon Rainsford Archive
About this Archive
Administrative/biographical history
Gordon Rainsford was born in Kenya in 1960 but moved to London when he left school. Initially wanting to be an accountant, he soon changed his mind and took a degree in Sociology at the London School of Economics. Later, he worked in catering for a while before becoming a freelance photographer for twenty years.
Gordon’s work as a freelance photographer has left an unparalleled document of LGBTQ+ Britain between 1985 and 2005, providing images for all of the major publications at the time including The Pink Paper, Capital Gay and many others. He was present at every Pride, photographed the protests of Outrage! and ACT UP London, as well as attending the vigils for those lost during the HIV/AIDS crisis.
Gordon also photographed most of the nightclubs, pubs and social events attended by the community at this time, along with documenting organisations such as the Terrence Higgins Trust, Switchboard and Stonewall. He also took portraits of prominent figures in the community involved in arts, politics, culture and showbusiness.
Scope and content
Extensive archive of black and white photographic prints taken by photographer Gordon Rainsford depicting people, events, and organisations relating to the LGBTQ+ community primarily in London including prides, protests, and demonstrations; pubs and clubs in London; events and organisations; portraits; and sexual health and HIV/AIDS (1985-1999)
Note: The prints included in this catalogue have related photographic negatives and contact sheets which may include alternative depictions of the same people, organisations, venues, and events portrayed in the prints. These can be viewed upon request. For more information, please ask a member of the team or contact library@bishopsgate.org.uk. The archive also includes extensive digital photography which is currently being catalogued.
Quantity
21 boxes.
