Catalogue Number
NMLH.2026.3.2
Object Name
Mayoral Robes
Title
Lace collar from Mayoral Robes worn by Carl Austin-Behan
Place
Manchester, Greater Manchester
People
Carl Austin-Behan
Events
Manchester Pride
Date
2016
Description
Detachable lace collar to be worn with Mayoral Robes created for Manchester Pride 2016, worn by then Lord Mayor of Manchester Carl Austin-Behan.
The collar has a high neck, with lace detailing. A lace frill sits at the front, above a square piece of cotton fabric, to be ticked and give the impression of a shirt. The piece closes with velcro at the back. Slightly doscoloured where the fabric touches skin.
Carl Austin-Behan joined the RAF at the age of 19 before being forced to leave due to his sexuality. He went on to serve with Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service before making a move into business, charity, and politics. In 2016, Austin-Behan became the first openly gay Lord Mayor of Manchester, and in 2018 became LGBT Adivsor to the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham.
