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GB 106 5CAP - Records of the Campaign Against Pornography
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Records of the Campaign Against Pornography

This material is held atThe Women's Library   Contact Details   |   Location
Reference NumberGB 106 5CAP
Dates of Creation1985-1997
Language of Material English
Physical Description 9 A boxes (1 box uncatalogued)

Scope and Content

The archive consists of minutes, financial records, campaign files, policy files, press cuttings, petitions and correspondence.

Administrative / Biographical History

The Campaign Against Pornography (CAP) (1987-1997) was established in 1987 as a response to Dr Clare Short MP's bill to ban erotica such as 'Page 3' in national newspapers. Its aims were 1) to promote equal opportunities for women and oppose discrimination, 2) to preserve and protect the health and safety of women and children through working towards the elimination of violent crimes against them, 3) to undertake research into the links between pornography and violence against women and children and their position in society and to publish the results of such research, 4) to gather information related to the production, publication, distribution and consumption of pornography and its effects on women and children's lives and their position in society, 5) to provide facilities for the relief of women and children affected by pornography, 6) to raise funds and receive contributions, 7) to co-operate and collaborate with any voluntary organisation and statutory authorities having similar objects and to exchange information and advice with such bodies. The group was incorporated in Apr 1989 and undertook a series of educational programmes that included training events, school workshops and seminars. It also set up a helpline and assisted with a research project with the University of Bradford's Violence Abuse and Gender Relations research unit on pornography. A number of unions and local union branches affiliated to CAP, include NUS, UNISON, CPSA and GMB. CAP focused on a number of specialised campaigns in addition to its general aims. Two main campaigns were 'Off the Shelf' (1989-c.1995), which protested the sale of 'soft porn' in retail stores, and Red Hot Dutch (c.1993) which helped prevent the launch of a hardcore porn satellite channel in 1993. Other campaign activities included petitions and picketing protests. One notable local event was the Jack the Ripper Exhibition at London Dungeon. CAP also undertook a letter writing campaign in 1995, by which time it had a number of local groups affiliated to it throughout the country. However, it ended its activities in the late 1990s through the effects of a financial crisis.

Arrangement

The records came to The Women's Library in disarray. Files have been sorted and a classification scheme has been imposed. Some weeding has been carried out on low level financial records.

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is partially available for research. The catalogued portion of the collection is available for research, uncatalogued material remains unavailable. Readers are advised to contact The Women's Library in advance of their first visit. The following items are closed in accordance with the Data Protection Act: 5CAP/A/4/1; 5CAP/C/3/3/1; 5CAP/C/2/1/1.

Acquisition Information

The records were deposited with the Fawcett Library by members of the organisation in 1997 and 1998. Additional records were recovered from Tindlemanor, the former headquarters of CAP in London, and deposited in 2006.

Other Finding Aid

The Women's Library Catalogue

Related Material

Some records of the Campaign Against Pornography were deposited with the Feminist Library, London.

Access Points

Subjects
Publishing
Pornography
Sexual abuse
Womens organisations
Womens liberation movement
Corporate Names
Campaign Against Pornography
Cataloguing Info
TitleThe Women's Library: Records of the Campaign Against Pornography
AuthorThe Women's Library
Publication The Women's Library 24/01/2008
CreationFinding aid created by export from CALM v7.2.14 Archives Hub EAD2002

Dr Clare Short Campaign

Reference NumberGB 106 5CAP/A
Dates of Creation1986-1991
Physical Description 1 A box

Scope and Content

In 1986 Dr. Clare Short MP brought The Indecent Displays (Newspapers) Bill before the House of Commons in an effort to enact legislation to ban the use of pictures in newspapers, magazines or any printed paper of naked or partially naked women in sexually provocative poses. A large number of women wrote to Dr. Short in support of the Bill and later a series of petitions were filed with local MPs in 1986 and 1988. The 1986 petition forms were received from various parts of the United Kingdom (UK) but were not given one uniform heading. Most of the 1986 petition forms simply explained what was being protested, while some referred to the Bill itself, or named it the anti-page three petition. The Bill did not pass in 1986 and Clare Short reintroduced the Bill on 13 Apr 1988 with an added provision to remove pornography from workplaces. At this time another petition circulated entitled Petition against Pornography. Between 1986 and 1991, Dr. Short received Dear Clare letters from a large number of women across the United Kingdom expressing concern about the depiction of women in pornographic materials. It was this widespread concern that led to the formation in 1987 of the Campaign Against Pornography (CAP) and the publication of the book 'Dear Clare...This is what women feel about Page 3' on 2 May 1991. The series includes: Petitions (1986 and 1989); Correspondence (1986 to 1991): a small quantity of Dear Clare letters; general correspondence from MPs and Rape groups, and letters about CAP; the launching of the first (1st) CAP Conference; and information on the publication of 'Dear Clare', the book.

Dr Clare Short Campaign - Petitions

Reference NumberGB 106 5CAP/A/1
Dates of Creation1986-1989
Physical Description 4 folders

Scope and Content

Petitions in support of Dr. Clare Short's legislation efforts in the House of Commons to outlaw the publication, in newspapers, of pornographic images of women.

The Indecent Displays (Newspapers) Bill

Reference NumberGB 106 5CAP/A/1/1
Dates of Creation1986
Physical Description 2 folders

Scope and Content

Letters bearing signatures and signed petition forms to Dr. Clare Short from various individuals, groups and organisations in support of the Bill. The petition was also referred to as the Anti-Page Three Petition.

Against Newspaper Pin-ups

Reference NumberGB 106 5CAP/A/1/2
Dates of Creation1988
Physical Description 1 folder (2 pages)

Scope and Content

Petition with signatures to support Dr. Clare Short in her bid to outlaw newspaper pin-ups.

Against Pornography

Reference NumberGB 106 5CAP/A/1/3
Dates of Creation1989
Physical Description 1 folder

Scope and Content

Signed petition forms and two letters with signatures against pornography that show women and children in a degrading or humiliating way or violent manner.

Dr Clare Short Campaign - Correspondence

Reference NumberGB 106 5CAP/A/2
Dates of Creation1986-1991
Physical Description 4 folders

Scope and Content

Letters to and from Dr. Clare Short from MPs, Rape Groups, and women across the UK regarding her efforts to pass legislation against the sale of pornographic materials. The series also includes CAP correspondence.

Dear Clare

Reference NumberGB 106 5CAP/A/2/1
Dates of Creationc.1986-1989
Physical Description 1 folder

Scope and Content

Letters to Dr. Clare Short from women across the United Kingdom expressing concern about the sexual depiction of women in photographs in newspapers and magazines.

MP

Reference NumberGB 106 5CAP/A/2/2
Dates of Creationc.1986-1991
Physical Description 1 folder

Scope and Content

Letters from MPs, some forwarded to Dr. Clare Short regarding the Indecent Displays (Newspapers) Bill also referred to as the Page Three Bill.

Rape Groups

Reference NumberGB 106 5CAP/A/2/3
Dates of Creation1986-1989
Physical Description 1 folder (3 letters)

Scope and Content

Letters from Rape groups in support of Dr. Clare Short's Indecent Displays (Newspapers) Bill also referred to as the Page Three Bill.

CAP Management Committee (MC)

Reference NumberGB 106 5CAP/A/2/4
Dates of Creation1990-1991
Physical Description 1 folder

Scope and Content

Letters to and from Dr. Clare Short to and from CAP Management Committee members.

Dr. Clare Short Campaign - Dear Clare Publication

Reference NumberGB 106 5CAP/A/3
Dates of Creation1990-1993
Physical Description 1 folder

Scope and Content

Correspondence, Memorandum of Agreement and a progress report concerning publication and launch on 02 May 1991, of the book 'Dear Clare'; a mock up of the launch programme; a guest list and a copy of a CAP talk.

Dr. Clare Short Campaign - CAP Conference

Reference NumberGB 106 5CAP/A/4
Dates of Creation1989
Physical Description 1 folder

Scope and Content

Correspondence, press release, agenda, minutes of the CAP Conference Group and conference registration on the first national women's Conference on Pornography and Sexual Violence.

Dr. Clare Short Campaign - CAP Conference

Reference NumberGB 106 5CAP/A/4/1
Dates of Creation1989
Physical Description 1 item

Scope and Content

Conference Registration forms (c. 6 pages) with details of individuals applying for places - includes personal details. THIS ITEM IS CLOSED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE DATA PROTECTION ACT.

Other Campaigns

Reference NumberGB 106 5CAP/B
Dates of Creation1989-1995
Physical Description 2 A boxes

Scope and Content

CAP Campaigns included Off The Shelf (OTS), which was launched on 14 Nov 1989 in protest of WH Smith sale of 'top shelf' magazines; the licensing of sex shops; Red Hot Dutch, a hard-core pornographic satellite television channel based in Manchester; the illegal advertisement of 'Risque' and 'Lipstick' magazines by flyposting; Athena, a campaign against the sale of pornographic postcards in the High Street; and a protest against the 'Jack the Ripper' exhibit at London Dungeon (CAP members planned to picket the site on 26 Jun 1993). CAP also sponsored a Bradford University Research Project on women's experiences of pornography.

Other Campaigns - Off the Shelf (OTS)

Reference NumberGB 106 5CAP/B/1
Dates of Creation1989
Physical Description 7 folders

Scope and Content

OTS Campaign was a national campaign organised by the CAP and the National Union of Students (NUS) Women's Campaign to address the availability of 'top shelf' pornography in high street newsagents. The campaign was aimed at WH Smith. A petition was circulated asking WH Smith to cease selling and displaying 'top shelf' publications. OTS was publicly launched at a press conference and reception on 14 Nov 1989.

Administration

Reference NumberGB 106 5CAP/B/1/1
Dates of Creationc.1989
Physical Description 1 folder

Scope and Content

Correspondence, press cuttings, OTS updates, conference agenda, copy of a speech, and minutes of a WH Smith meeting pertaining to the launch of OTS campaign.

WH Smith

Reference NumberGB 106 5CAP/B/1/2
Dates of Creation1990-1995
Physical Description 1 folder

Scope and Content

Correspondence to and from WH Smith regarding OTS campaign issues and about WH Smith to CAP; a list of WH Smith's London branches; and microfiche (23 fiche, dated 1994) containing a list of Smith's shareholders. Also, an outline of WH Smith Group vision and strategy.

Petition

Reference NumberGB 106 5CAP/B/1/3
Dates of Creation1990
Physical Description 2 folders

Scope and Content

Signed petition forms against the sale of pornographic material by WH Smith.

Press cuttings

Reference NumberGB 106 5CAP/B/1/4
Dates of Creation1990
Physical Description 1 folder

Scope and Content

Local press cuttings about pornography and the selling of pornographic (top shelf) material.

National Magazine Retailer's Survey

Reference NumberGB 106 5CAP/B/1/5
Dates of Creation1991
Physical Description 2 folders

Scope and Content

A list of porn free retailers along with completed 'Are you porn free' questionnaires, and some cover letters. Also request letters for a list of porn free retailers.

Other Campaigns - Red Hot Dutch

Reference NumberGB 106 5CAP/B/2
Dates of Creationc. Apr 1993
Physical Description 1 folder

Scope and Content

Press cuttings, correspondence, a copy of the Secretary of State statement in the House of Commons on 19 Mar 1993, a signed petition (1 page) and literature on Red Hot Dutch, a hard-core pornography satellite channel based in Manchester and a CAP press release of planned picketing action. (Also contains a list of names and addresses).

Other Campaigns - Flyposting

Reference NumberGB 106 5CAP/B/3
Dates of Creation11 Mar 1993 - 21 May 1993
Physical Description 1 folder

Scope and Content

Correspondence regarding advertising of 'Risque' and 'Lipstick' (pornographic magazines) by illegal flyposting. Includes a photocopy sample of 'Risque' font page and a 13 May 1993 press cutting on flyposting.

Other Campaigns - London Dungeon

Reference NumberGB 106 5CAP/B/4
Dates of Creationc. Jun 1993
Physical Description 1 folder

Scope and Content

Correspondence, press cuttings and manuscript notes about CAP's London Dungeon demonstration in protest of the 'Jack the Ripper' exhibit. Also contains an official guide. One envelope (E2) contains a one-page petition with signatures.

Other Campaigns - Athena

Reference NumberGB 106 5CAP/B/5
Dates of Creationc.1992-1996
Physical Description 1 folder

Scope and Content

Postcards and cards from Athena shops depicting women in sexual and pornographic poses. Collected by CAP members.

Other Campaigns - UK Pornography Research Project

Reference NumberGB 106 5CAP/B/6
Dates of Creationc.1992-1993
Physical Description 1 folder

Scope and Content

Information pertaining to a research project undertaken by the University of Bradford sponsored by CAP.

Other Campaigns - Entertainment Licensing

Reference NumberGB 106 5CAP/B/7
Dates of Creation1994
Physical Description 1 folder

Scope and Content

General correspondence, informational literature about sex shop licensing and public entertainment licensing, including stripping (Islington), in some London boroughs, and a CAP leaflet outlining its objections to the licensing of sex shops.

Other Campaigns - Media

Reference NumberGB 106 5CAP/B/8
Dates of Creationc.1988-1994
Physical Description 3 folders

Scope and Content

Correspondence and other records pertaining to advertisement and pornography, a survey on the treatment of women in advertising and correspondence to various media houses concerning the issue of pornography.

Advertisement

Reference NumberGB 106 5CAP/B/8/1
Dates of Creationc.1988-1994
Physical Description 1 folder

Scope and Content

Correspondence pertaining to advertising standards and complaints about pornographic advertisements; an Advertising Association workshop programme on the portrayal of women in advertising, and press cuttings about pornography publications.

Herself Reappraised

Reference NumberGB 106 5CAP/B/8/2
Dates of Creation1990
Physical Description 1 folder

Scope and Content

The published results of the second Advertising Standards Authority Limited's survey on the treatment of women in advertising.

General Correspondence

Reference NumberGB 106 5CAP/B/8/3
Dates of Creation1992-1994
Physical Description 1 folder

Scope and Content

Four letters from various media houses on articles or programmes addressing the subject of pornography.

General Office Administration

Reference NumberGB 106 5CAP/C
Dates of Creation1988-1997
Physical Description 4 A boxes

Scope and Content

Campaign Against Pornography (CAP) Management Committee (MC) minutes and CAP general correspondence, financial reports and funding correspondence. CAP produced a newsletter, educational materials for teaching purposes (workshops) and leaflets for distribution. Other literature about pornography was collected along with press cuttings, mail order and phone box advertisements to aid CAP with its various campaigns.

General Office Administration - Minutes

Reference NumberGB 106 5CAP/C/1
Dates of Creation1988-1997
Physical Description 4 folders

Scope and Content

CAP MC meeting minutes, director's reports, as well as accounts, correspondence, volunteers' minutes, and workers' and action reports. These records (F1-3) appear to have been filed together by CAP but in no particular order. Therefore, a chronological order has been imposed. Folder four contains manuscript meeting notes filed with the MC minutes that had no dates (c. 1988-1993). They have been placed in a separate folder and have been grouped together with the minutes to retain the relationship.

General Office Administration - General Correspondence

Reference NumberGB 106 5CAP/C/2
Dates of Creation1988-1996
Physical Description 5 folders

Scope and Content

General correspondence and enquiries. Records were unordered when received from CAP therefore in some cases a chronological order has been imposed.

Correspondence

Reference NumberGB 106 5CAP/C/2/1
Dates of Creation1988-1996
Physical Description 4 folders

Scope and Content

Two folders (F1: 1988-1994; F2: 1995-1996) of CAP general correspondence in chronological order, which has been imposed. One folder (F3) contains undated correspondence some with circa dates. One folder is CLOSED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE DATA PROTECTION ACT.

Further correspondence

Reference NumberGB 106 5CAP/C/2/1/1
Dates of Creation1993-1996
Physical Description 1 folder

Scope and Content

CAP general correspondence. THIS FILE IS CLOSED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE DATA PROTECTION ACT.

Enquiries

Reference NumberGB 106 5CAP/C/2/2
Dates of Creation1993-1997
Physical Description 2 folders

Scope and Content

General enquiries to CAP. Separated chronologically but individual items are not arranged chronologically. Order has been imposed.

General Office Administration - Finance

Reference NumberGB 106 5CAP/C/3
Dates of Creation1988-1997
Physical Description 3 folders

Scope and Content

Funding and financial correspondence and financial statements.

Funding Correspondence

Reference NumberGB 106 5CAP/C/3/1
Dates of Creation1990-1996
Physical Description 1 folder

Scope and Content

Letters concerning CAP financial funding.

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