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 top left panel remembers Simon. It has his name against a pink sheet where you also find a teddy bear and a running short that reads ‘Come Blow My Horn’ and ‘LITTLE BOY BLUE’ on the back.
The top right panel was made for Camereon, featuring a picture of a racing swimmer.
The left panel is dedicated to Sandy Keith, using the color scheme of the German national flag and key words of ‘German’ as well as ‘English’ to likely indicate his dual nationality.
The center top panel was made for Denholm Elliot, with a gold star sign in between the words.
The center bottom panel was made for Jack Caster, and it features a red thread going through a white needle, and the word ‘NAMES’ written above.
The right panel has a special message for Michael as his last name is sewn underneath the strip and it allows his family to re-learn their pride in him. Until then he will known by these last names: ‘MICHAEL THE CLASS ACT, MICHAEL THE KIND, MICHAEL THE SMILE, MICHAEL THE MISSED’.
The bottom left panel was made for Stephen Carter by his loved one Graeme Brown, with the text ‘MY BABY MY MAN UNTIL WE ARE ONE AGAIN’ surrounded by bear stickers. In Graeme’s letter to Stephen, he wrote ‘During our years together, we lived as one – growing with each other, supporting each other and showing each other joy, happiness, and pain. So what is this thing called death that has separated us?’
The bottom right panel remembers Peter, with words of ‘Love & Hugs’ written on a hearted-shaped cotton and other displays of chef hat, salad bowl, maple leaf, teddy bear and AIDS ribbon.
Peter - Jack Caster - Sandy Keith - Michael - Cameron - Stephen Carter - Simon - Denholm Elliot
Zoom in and see all the details on Google Arts & Culture page.
Remembering and celebrating all those lost to HIV