In the 1920s and 1930s queer clubs & spaces were vulnerable to police raids.
Makeup was seen as a sign of effeminacy & therefore homosexuality.
Police would use blotting paper to test for powder & rouge.
📷: CRIM 1/1041
At the LGBTQ+ friendly Caravan Club, described in the 1930s as ‘London’s greatest bohemian rendezvous’, patrons regularly wore make up.
📷: MEPO 3/758 & DPP 2/224
During a raid of the private members club in 1934, a particularly flamboyant and bold individual, Cyril, had to undergo the humiliating process of having his face tested for evidence of make-up with blotting paper.
📷: WO195/15751
Billie’s Club, located on 6 Little Denmark Street (now Flitcroft Street), opened in 1935.
The scene that the police witnessed was described as:
the type of dancing which went on was thoroughly disgusting…With one exception all the men were powdered and rouged
📷: CRIM 1/903
Not only were the individuals perceived to be wearing makeup, but it was noted that 'their hair was waved or dyed’ with one individual highlighted as having pink nails.
In this era police observations consistently related ‘effeminacy’ as a sign of homosexuality.
📷: DPP 2/355
Rare material evidence of this practice survives in our collections; a piece of blotting paper smeared with make-up.
This was taken from the face of 44 year old waiter Knox.
📷: CRIM 1/1041
Knox was arrested in Piccadilly for soliciting men in the street – his face ‘highly coloured and his lips red,’ according to the officer – and sentenced to two years’ imprisonment.
📷: CRIM 1/1041
Today was set to be #PrideInLondon.
Today, it seems particularly important to remember the people who fought to be their full, authentic selves in the past.
For more information, read our blog: blog.nationalarchives.gov.uk/policing-powde…
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