About the Bernie Grant Collection

The late Bernie Grant MP led a remarkable life. Over 35 years, he was at the forefront of a furious dialogue about race in British society as a trades unionist and civil rights activist, as the first ever Black Leader of a local authority in Europe in Haringey, North London, as an outspoken Black Member of Parliament, and as an international campaigner.

A record of these crucial years is contained within Bernie’s papers, in books and magazines, memorabilia, correspondence, audio and video material and hundreds of photographs of meetings and demonstrations. Together they tell not only his story, but of the struggles of an entire generation of black and minority ethnic citizens who arrived in Britain in the post war period.

Accessing the Archive

Online

The Bernie Grant Collection is available online through the Bernie Grant Archive website.

Going to the Archive

The Bernie Grant Collection is held at Bishopsgate Library.

Bishopsgate Library is open to everyone. There is no need to make an appointment to visit the Library, or to bring proof of address or ID with you.

The Bernie Grant Archive can be viewed in the Researchers Area, you will be asked to complete a short registration form on your first visit. Coats and bags are not allowed in the Researchers Area, lockers are provided.

The Researchers Area is closed between 1.00pm – 2.00pm daily. Items are retrieved on demand between 10.00am – 12.30pm and 2.00pm – 4.45pm.

More information on how to find us can be found at the following link: http://www.bishopsgate.org.uk/Visit-Us/How-to-Find-us.