What is an AIDS Quilt?
Discover more about the UK's beautiful collection of AIDS Quilts, the archive and an explanation of the stories surrounding them
A panel commemorating the Quilts Project (1989/1996)AIDS Quilt UK
The UK AIDS Memorial quilts are a unique component of British and Global History. These quilts tell the story of HIV and AIDS in the UK.
Quilts in display in Westminster HallAIDS Quilt UK
The quilts were created in the 1980's and 90's in memory of loved ones, friends and family.
The quilts are very large! In total there are 40 full size quilts measuring 12ft x 12ft.
AIDS Quilt 22 AIDS Quilt 22AIDS Quilt UK
The quilts are cared for by the UK AIDS Memorial Quilt Partnership, and are housed at Positive East's premises in east London.
Now you can view all the of the quilts together in a single, online home.
AIDS Quilt 5 (1980/1990)AIDS Quilt UK
Some of the quilts were enjoyed by people remembered on them, providing comfort and safety.
Fred Hepple made this panel for four friends and colleagues from AIDSLine West Midlands. He would wrap his quilt around himself like a 'magic cape' and would remember them.
AIDS Quilt 41 (1989/1996)AIDS Quilt UK
Quilts and Panels
Quilts were created all across the UK, with individual panels being sewn together to create the patchwork effect.
This means that each quilt can include several different names representing those remembered...
A panel for Julio Garcia (1989/1996)AIDS Quilt UK
Some of the items in this collection are individual panels, like this one, that were never sewn into complete quilts...
An unfinished panel for Keith Michael Jones (1989/1996)AIDS Quilt UK
...and some like this beautiful panel were never completed.
AIDS Quilt 21 AIDS Quilt 21AIDS Quilt UK
Remembering Loved Ones
Some of the quilts are accompanied by letters, emails, photographs, poems and memorabilia from those who made the quilt to remember their loved one and tell us more about them.
AIDS Quilt 17 AIDS Quilt 17AIDS Quilt UK
Some of the panels are anonymous to hide the identity of the person.
The ongoing stigma around HIV / AIDS means that many of the people remembered on these quilts were ostracised by family and friends.
Despite the progress of the past 40 years this stigma continues today.
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