An iconic quilt panel, commemorating the lives of those lost to the AIDS epidemic in the UK, will be on display in Ilford tomorrow.

The artwork will be in Redbridge Central Library, in Clements Road, as part of a series of events marking World AIDS Day.

This irreplaceable piece of international social history tells the stories of people whose lives were lost at the beginning of the AIDS epidemic.

Six quilts were initially exhibited at St Paul’s Cathedral, which was the first time they were on public display for 20 years.

They have now been spread out across London, with one coming to Ilford.

The aim of the event is to raise awareness of HIV to younger generations and help find a permanent home to display the quilts.

Library and heritage services manager Anita Luby said: “We’re delighted to be hosting a part of this iconic quilt, which is a huge part of social history.

“The quilt panels show the emotional and physical effects of AIDS at the beginning of the epidemic, and are also a great reminder of how we’re come in the last 30 years.”

Mark Santos, director of AIDS charity Positive East, added: “The quilts are a memorial of lives and a celebration of life.”

Mr Santos, who is also a councillor, added: “They are a moving reminder of our history and that whilst we have travelled to a better place there is still more work to be done in tackling the challenge of HIV today.”

People can get involved on social media using the hashtag #AIDSQuiltUK.