The collection of UK AIDS Quilts were made between 1989 and 1996 to commemorate friends, lovers and family members who passed away from an AIDS related illness during this time. You can zoom in to some of the specific details listed below.
The bottom left panel remembers Ian, known for his ability to make others laugh stemming from his inate sense of humour in everyday activities. When he was diagnosed with AIDS in summer 1989, the hospital staff ‘frightened him terribly’, but did put him in touch with the Frontliners. After his discharge he ‘floundered emotionally’, but eventually became one of the ‘success stories’. Ian is remembered as being a ‘remarkable person’.
The top centre panel remembers John. John loved the music of the Russian Orthodox Church he visited, and the beauty of its liturgy. One of his proudest moments was when, although contained to a wheelchair, he went in person to receive the Fellow of the Royal Society Edinburgh for his research work. The Russian phrase on his panel translates as: ‘May your Memory be Eternal’.
Little Ian - Ward 1 Kings Cross hospital - Freddie Mercury - Geoff - John Scaife - Smash - Douglas MacAndrew - Jim C
Zoom in and see all the details on Google Arts & Culture page.
Remembering and celebrating all those lost to HIV