The legendary vegan activist discusses his archive and the history of animal welfare legislation. With Paula Sparks and Jonathan Pledge.

This event takes place in the British Library and will be simultaneously live streamed on the British Library platform. Tickets may be booked either to attend in person, or to watch on our platform (online) either live or within 48 hours on catch up.  In-person ticket bookers will also be sent a bonus link to the online event. Viewing links will be sent out shortly before the event.

In September 2020, the British Library acquired the personal archive of animal rights activist Kim Stallwood. Explore the life of a leading campaigner, theorist and author who has been at the forefront of international animal advocacy for decades. Delve into the personal archive of this champion of animals and uncover the fascinating history of the movement from the 1970s to the present day. Kim’s veganism started over forty years ago, and since then plant-based lifestyles and animal rights have entered into the mainstream. These issues have never been more relevant, with environmental awareness and growing concern for the moral and legal rights of all creatures, so join Kim as he reflects on a lifetime of activism.

2022 marked the bicentenary of the first recorded animal welfare legislation the ‘Cruel Treatment of Cattle Act 1822’ also known as the ‘Martin’s Act.’ In the second half of this event legal expert Professor Paula Sparks will tell the broader story of animal rights legislation in the UK and discuss her role as chairperson of the UK Centre for Animal Law.

Kim and Paula will be joined by British Library curator Jonathan Pledge, who has been working on the Stallwood archive through his role as Lead Curator of Contemporary Archives and Manuscripts, Politics and Public Life.

Kim Stallwood is an author, independent scholar, consultant, and speaker on animal rights. He has more than 45 years of personal commitment as a vegan and professional experience in leadership positions with some of the world’s foremost animal advocacy organisations. The British Library acquired the Kim Stallwood Archive in 2020. He is a consultant with Tier im Recht, the Zurich-based animal law organization, on projects preserving animal rights history.

Paula Sparks is Chair of the UK Centre for Animal Law, Visiting Professor in Animal Welfare Law at Winchester University, Barrister at Doughty Street Chambers.

Jonathan Pledge is Lead Curator, Contemporary Archives and Manuscripts, Politics and Public Life at The British Library. 

Image credit: copyright Paul Knight

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