shirt

David Shenton lived in Norwich between 1970 and 1990 whenhe was a teacher of graphic design and Head of Art at Notre Dame High School. He also worked in the Education Departments at the Probation Office and in Norwich Prison. In 1990, he moved to London where he worked as an illustrator for the 'Pink Paper', the 'Gay News', and 'The Guardian'. David subsequently returned to Norwich.

David says: "This shirt is designed as a dedicated Gay Pride March shirt... the only occasion in the year when my partner of 23 years and I can confidently walk down the road holding hands. Made from 6 shirts that constitute the Pride rainbow, the two middle sleeves are sewn together as one, so hand holding is unavoidable, blatant and the integral function of the garment. I made it and we wore it at London Pride in 2013 to celebrate Equal Marriage on the horizon....

John and I have been "married" three times....

2001. Ken Livingstone's 'London Partnership Register'. We received an unofficial certificate that recognises same-sex relationships.

2005. Civil Partnership. An official legal recognition of a relationship registered by same-sex couples.

2013. Equal Marriage. This legislation was passed in 2013, and came into force in March 2014, when we were allowed to upgrade/convert our Civil Partnership and backdate it to 2005.

2018. Equal Marriage? It's the Law, yet the Church of England still doesn't allow same-sex weddings in church..... and can John and I now walk down the road holding hands at any time?"