On show in the Queer the Pier exhibition (2020 - 2022) at Brighton Museum & Art Gallery. Proposed black and white pen and ink illustration created by Aubrey Beardsley (1877-1898) for the cover of the Yellow Book magazine (1894-1897). Digitised image is provided by Royal Pavilion & Museums, who currently hold the original object. Daren Kay, Community Curator: Born in Brighton in 1872, Beardsley (1872 - 1898) is best known for his erotic illustrations for a number of avant-garde publications like the Yellow Book - a fashionable magazine that ran from 1894-1897 that took its name from the covering controversial French novels were wrapped in at the time. Tainted by his association with Oscar Wilde (who was apparently carrying a copy of the Yellow Book when he was arrested for sodomy in 1895), Beardsley was fired as Art Editor of the Yellow Book. His original illustration for Volume V (on show here) was replaced by that of another artist. Beardsley's sexually explicit art work has earned him a place in the heart of the queer community and maintained his popularity with generations of gender non-conforming and bisexual people.

This shows the programme from the play ‘Curfew’. The front cover is a drawing of a women kicking out in self-defence. It gives a description of the play and a background of Siren. The play was directed by Pippa Gladhill. The programme acknowledges the poem (used in part) by Ntozake Shange “With No Immediate Cause’. The cover of the programme was created by Wendy Thompson. The image was also the poster for the play. The image of the women kicking out was taken from a photo and an article in the Brighton Argus about ‘Tiger Tash’ who taught women self-defence. The ’Tash’ referred to was Siren’s Tasha Fairbanks. The play was set in a lesbian club and explored themes of male violence against women.

A handmade flyer for Siren Theatre Company's performance 'Mamas Gone A Hunting'.

This shows the programme cover of the pay Pulp. The programme shows a number of adverts, including from prominent lesbian organisations, such as Rackets, Dimples and Lesbian Line, as well as feminist companies such as Silver Moon bookshop Women’s Press. Nalgo (National and Local Government Officers Union) took out a full page advert supporting lesbian and gay rights. The programme promotes Siren’s cabaret show ‘Chic to Chic”, as well as their cassette ‘Siren in Queer Street’ and vinyl record ‘Siren Plays’. Page 4 & page 8 have the lyrics of seven sounds from Pulp, which were written by Jane Boston, and performed live by Siren. Page 5 has the Company Policy and a description of the play ‘Pulp’. It also shows some excerpts from reviews of previous plays. The play was directed and choreographed by Noelle Janaczewska. The artwork and layout of the programme was by Jenny Millington.