AIDS, THE LOST VOICES
ARTIST: Edward Cairns 1980s
Will & Gloria once again delve into the British newspaper archives and attempt to unpick the real stories, of real people behind the sensational and attention-grabbing headlines of the 80s and 90s AIDS pandemic.
Scottish artist Edward Cairns, aged 34, was discovered dead in his London residence in October 1984, a loss that sent ripples through the art community and raised significant questions regarding societal attitudes towards the gay community during a period mired in AIDS-related stigma.
Cairns’ untimely passing, believed to be AIDS-related, drew the attention of West London Coroner Dr. John Burton, who noted the sensationalised tabloid headlines and the intense media presence at the inquest, reflective of a broader societal fixation on both illness and identity.
This scrutiny extended to the coverage of HIV/AIDS-related art exhibitions across the UK, where the contributions of emerging and established artists were frequently overshadowed by sensationalism rather than celebrated for their artistic merit.
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Edward was born in 1950 in Johnstone, Scotland, to parents John and Mary Cairns. He had a younger sister, Linda, who was four years his junior. Known as ‘Eddie’ among his friends, he moved to London after completing his studies in art. Embracing the vibrant and dynamic atmosphere of the city, Eddie revelled in the excitement of the glittering London scene, sharing in the fervour of life as many other gay men did.
However, in 1981, an ominous shift occurred when America raised alarms about a new deadly virus, AIDS, which was disproportionately impacting the gay community. This announcement marked the beginning of a tumultuous period that would profoundly affect Eddie and many others in his vibrant world.
CORONER: John Burton
CORONER: Dr. John David Keith Burton (1929-2004) graduated in medicine from University College and Hospital London in 1952, where he was awarded prizes and undergraduate gold medals in medicine and surgery.
In 1968 he was appointed HM coroner for West London, a large and busy jurisdiction. He retired in 2000. He was made coroner of the Queen’s household in 1986. During which time he was responsible for the inquest into the death and present at the autopsy of Diana, Princess of Wales, and Dodi Fayed. He retired in 2002 due to ill health.
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