Putting ‘AIDS: The Unheard Tapes’ in context

Mary Stewart, Lead Curator of Oral History, gives more information on the interviews used in a new BBC documentary series. Broadcast tonight on BBC2 is the first in a three-part documentary series entitled AIDS: The Unheard Tapes (27 June, 9.30pm BBC2). The series is a powerful showcase of selected recordings…




Recording of the week: Sharing Somali sounds and stories

This week’s selection comes from Emma Brinkhurst, Learning and Engagement Coordinator. As Learning and Engagement Coordinator for the British Library’s Unlocking Our Sound Heritage programme, a highlight of my role has been working in partnership with Camden Somali Cultural Centre to develop a listening project. Weekly listening sessions showed the…




Recording of the week: Footsteps on gravel

This week’s post comes from Steve Cleary, Lead Curator of Literary and Creative Recordings. The tape box in the image above measures 90 mm x 90 mm. Inside, as you can see, is a short loop of tape. This is one of nearly 300 similar items from the Bishop Sound…




Recording of the week: More than a headteacher

This week’s selection comes from Sandra Agard, Learning Facilitator. ‘More than a headteacher’ is how cousins Michelle Campbell-Davies and Rachel Clarke describe Betty Campbell, or Nan, as they knew her, in their chat recorded for The Listening Project to mark Black History Month in October 2021. Statue of Betty Campbell…




Chance patrons: Sir Nikolaus Pevsner and the pioneering age of British architectural history

On the work of historians of British architecture from the mid twentieth century to the present day