Archive photo of Amnesty booklet titled 'The Forgotten Prisoners', with blue and black illustration of a man behind bars
'The Forgotten Prisoners' by Peter Benenson, 1961. From the British Library archive.

A Life in Human Rights – the story of Amnesty International

Exploring the archive of Amnesty founder Peter Benenson.

About A Life in Human Rights – the story of Amnesty International

Archive photo of Amnesty booklet titled 'The Forgotten Prisoners', with blue and black illustration of a man behind bars
'The Forgotten Prisoners' by Peter Benenson, 1961. From the British Library archive.

Peter Benenson founded a human rights movement that would spread around the world: Amnesty International. Following his death, Peter’s daughter Natasha bequeathed his archive to the British Library, including photos, documents, letters and even a carbon copy of the original idea for AI. This evening’s event is a special celebration of Peter and his life’s work, inviting you to discover an extraordinary life, alongside revealing how archives are created and made accessible to the whole world.

British Library curator Jonathan Pledge is joined in conversation by expert speakers and family members – details coming soon.

Your support

The British Library is a charity. Your support helps us open up a world of knowledge and inspiration for everyone. Please consider adding a donation to your basket.

Venue and bar opening times

This is an in-person only event in the British Library Knowledge Centre. 

The Knowledge Centre and bar open from 18.00. 

Please arrive no later than 15 minutes before the start time of this event.  If you have specific access requirements please email customer@bl.uk

Concessions

There are a range of concessions available. These include discounts for British Library Members, Young Persons (16–25s), and visitors on Universal/Pension Credit and free entry for carers.

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Dates and times