After visiting the UK AIDS Memorial Quilt on display at the Turbine Hall at the TATE in the summer of 2025, I found myself deeply moved by the creativity and craftsmanship evident at all levels, alongside the poignant individual stories embedded in each panel.

This led me to research various quilts that particularly caught my eye, focusing on those lovingly made for Mark Freeman, an actor and former principal dancer with the Royal Ballet. Among these, the quilt created by Roy, Denny’s partner of six years, stands out, commemorating Dennis Williams, affectionately known as ‘Denny’ to those who knew him best. Another quilt of note is that of Tom Dwyer, originally from Scotland, who was drawn to London by its vibrant cultural scene and had a particular passion for disco music.

All articles and relevant documents from this episode are available on the:

XTRA Tea Blog AIDS: THE LOST VOICES - Behind the Stitches

UK AIDS Quilt Website ---> DONATE HERE <----

View Mark's Quilt

View Denny's Quilt

View Tom's Quilt

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'Cherish' by Kool & the Gang

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'Don't Leave me this Way' by Thelma Houston

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Spotify

Apple Music

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Music / Instrumental by Aries Beats 'A Sin' + WEBSITE

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Third-party media: Used under 'fair use' for the sole purpose of education, criticism and/or research relating to HIV/AIDS, featured in this podcast. No copyright infringement intended -

• British Newspaper Archives / Newspapers
• UK AIDS Memorial Quilt Website