MSC London / London Leathermen

This material is held atBishopsgate Institute Special Collections and Archives

  • Reference
    • GB 372 MSCL
  • Dates of Creation
    • 1974 - 2017
  • Name of Creator
  • Language of Material
    • English
  • Physical Description
    • 17 boxes 8 posters and other loose items

Scope and Content

Papers of MSC London (later known as London Leathermen), including: papers and correspondence regarding the administration of MSC London, 1978-2015; papers and correspondence regarding MSC London's Annual General Meetings (AGMs), 1974-2016; correspondence regarding MSC London, ECMC's constitution and a News of the World article, 1979-2004; flyers, leaflets, programmes, booking forms and other ephemera from MSC London and various other motor sports clubs, 1983-2017; colour and black and white photographs of activities and events hosted by MSC London and associated others, 1974-1995; posters produced by MSC London, [RMC] and ASMF Paris, 1981-2006; objects and clothing produced by MSC London and other motor sports clubs, 1974-2003; newsletters, magazines and catalogues produced by MSC London, leather and fetish clothing suppliers, and magazines specialising in motorcycles and lifestyles, 1976-2009; papers from other motor sports clubs (MSC's), 1980-2017; papers from the European Confederation of Motorcycle Clubs (ECMC), c1979-2001; papers of Fellowship of United Kingdom Clubs (FUKC), 1991-2005; and miscellaneous papers regarding MSC London and its members, AIDS and sexual health, and MSC London Bike Group's visit to the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy Races, 1980-2015. (1974-2017)

Administrative / Biographical History

MSC London was formed in 1973 as a social group for gay and bisexual men over 18 in London with a fetish for leather, rubber, uniform & skin head gear. It was one of the founding members of the European Confederation of Motorcycle Clubs (ECMC), formed 14th January 1974. MSC London was also affiliated with the Fellowship of UK Clubs (FUKC).

MSC London's future and viability was discussed in the 1990s, however this was overcome and continued to be a functioning club. In 2016 MSC London changed its name to London Leathermen, which is how it is currently known.

In addition to holding club nights, MSC London held Birthday events and Annual General Meetings. The club also served as the host for several FUKC and ECMC events, and participated in events run by other motor sports clubs. MSC London also participated in 'London Clubs Together' events which involved other London based motor sports clubs. The club is also involved in the organisation of Mr Leather UK.

London Leathermen continues to hold regular social meetings on the third Friday of every month at Eagle London in Vauxhall.

Arrangement

The MSC London archive is divided into the following twelve sections:

  • MSCL/1: Administration
  • MSCL/2: Annual General Meetings (AGMs)
  • MSCL/3: Correspondence
  • MSCL/4: Ephemera
  • MSCL/5: Photographs
  • MSCL/6: Posters
  • MSCL/7: Objects and Clothing
  • MSCL/8: Newsletters, Magazines and Catalogues
  • MSCL/9: Other Motor Sports Clubs
  • MSCL/10: European Confederation of Motorcycle Clubs
  • MSCL/11: Fellowship of United Kingdom Clubs
  • MSCL/12: Miscellaneous

Access Information

APPLY TO ARCHIVIST

Acquisition Information

Deposited with Bishopsgate Institute by London Leathermen via Ray Duns, 7 July 2017.

Other Finding Aids

Adlib catalogue and copy of handlist available in researcher's area.

Archivist's Note

Entry compiled by Grace Biggins.

Conditions Governing Use

Photocopying and digital photography (without flash) is permitted for research purposes on completion of the Library's Copyright Declaration form and with respect to current UK copyright law.