Remembering Eric Huntley
Eric Huntley will be remembered in many ways, and by many people. To some he was family, to others an activist, a publisher, a cultural leader and a guardian of community memory. He was a great friend and supporter of The London Archives and our work with him, and Jessica Huntley (1927 – 2013), fundamentally changed us, bringing new wonderful new partnerships and learning, and becoming a cornerstone of our engagement work.
In 2005, Eric and Jessica deposited an extraordinary 30 linear metres of archival material with us, thousands of letters, photographs, manuscripts, books, pamphlets, postcards and more. This became the first major collection at The London Archives from the African Caribbean community and remains one of the largest and most significant collections of its kind. The archives are arranged as two collections, their business Bogle-L’Ouverture Publications Limited (LMA/4462) and their personal records Eric and Jessica Huntley (LMA/4463).
Eric and Jessica knew the importance of preserving history for community empowerment and education. They documented Black activism, grassroots campaigns, and the everyday experiences of African‑Caribbean people in Britain, to ensure that these stories would not be lost or overlooked. Their commitment to heritage and intergenerational knowledge led them to entrust their archives to us. To ensure that their archive would be made available to everyone.
Today, the stewardship of this remarkable collection continues through our partnership with FHALMA (Friends of the Huntley Archives at LMA), whose dedication helps bring the Huntley legacy to wider audiences and new generations. The annual Huntley Conference remains one of the most visible expressions of this legacy, a celebration of the principles Eric championed throughout his life.
Eric Huntley’s legacy endures not only in the records he preserved, but in the shared memories and the histories he ensured would never be forgotten.
To find out more about Eric and Jessica and their work, and the work of FHALMA, visit the FHALMA website.
Eric and Jessica’s collections are available to view at The London Archives, with lists available to view on our catalogue: