The papers of Robert (Bob) Crossman (Labour Councillor for the London Borough of Islington, and Mayor of Islington), are now available to users via the Archives Catalogue|.
Crossman was a lifelong activist for the Labour Party, canvassing for them on his thirteenth birthday. He went on to retain his membership for more than thirty years. He was first elected as a Labour Councillor for Altringham, Greater Manchester whilst studying at the Polytechnic during the 1970s. He later moved to Islington in London where he was elected as Councillor in 1982. During this time he fought for the development of better housing and local education services in the borough. He represented Islington on the Inner London Education Authority (ILEA) from 1983, serving as Chair of the Equal Opportunities Committee. He went on to serve as Mayor of Islington from 1986-1987.
Crossman was openly gay and a leader for the gay community. He was a founder member of the Gay Labour Group in 1974 (later renamed the Labour Campaign for Lesbian and Gay Rights). He was also Founder and Chairman of the Islington Lesbian and Gay Committee, working to increase the involvement of gay men and lesbians in local government. During the 1980s he fought against injustice and discrimination towards gay men and lesbians.
In addition to his commitments as a Councillor, Crossman worked with men to develop their skills, holding workshops on a variety of subjects regarding business and motivation.
The collection comprises correspondence, papers and photographs regarding all areas of Crossman's work both as Councillor and as a gay rights activist. Highlights include:
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Correspondence and papers relating to the Stop Clause 28 campaign, particularly regarding equal opportunities in education both in Islington and the wider London area
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Papers regarding the work of gay and lesbian organisations both nationally and in London (especially Islington)
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Photographs of Crossman capturing his work as Mayor of Islington.
The papers have been catalogued as part of the '1967 & All That' project, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund. For more information about the project please see: Hall-Carpenter Archives project: 1967 & All That|