'Birth of the Birth Control Clinic'

The Institute of Historical Research (IHR) was founded 90 years ago and as part of a series of events to mark other notable milestones of 1921, the IHR is holding a one-day conference on the 11th March to explore the work and legacy of birth control pioneer Marie Stopes (Stopes's first clinic opened in 1921).

Speakers on the day include Dr Lesley Hall (Wellcome Library) and more details on the Conference and registration are available from the IHR's website.

The Wellcome Library holds a wealth of material on the history of birth control and these records - including material relating to Stopes' career - have been the subject of a number of posts on this Blog.

Image: Birth control clinic in caravan, with nurse (PP/MCS)

Public events

News of a pair of forthcoming free public events, which draw on the expertise and knowledge of two members of Wellcome Library staff.

On Tuesday 30th November, Ross MacFarlane, Research Officer, will be speaking at Brent Archives on 'Henry Wellcome: His Life and Work', examining Wellcome's career and his collection and the important part played in the latter by an ex-wireless factory in Willesden. The talk starts at 7pm.

On Tuesday 7th December, Helen Wakely, Archivist, is giving a seminar at the Institute of Historical Research (IHR) in their Archives and Society series titled: 'Francis Crick: so last century?'. The session begins at 5.30pm.

Both events are free and for those wishing to attend, more details are available through the websites of Brent Archives and the IHR respectively.