LGBTQ+ History Month Talk by Jon Sleigh at Melton Carnegie Museum
Hiding in Plain Sight: A Leicestershire LGBTQ+ Story
As part of LGBTQ+ History Month, art historian and curator Jon Sleigh delivered a powerful and thought-provoking talk exploring the life and legacy of George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham. Drawing on rich historical evidence, contemporary scholarship, and personal reflection, Jon delved into the complex relationship between Villiers and King James I — a bond often described by historians using the euphemistic term “favourite.” But what does that word conceal?
Jon challenged audiences to reconsider how we talk about intimacy, romance, and power in historical narratives, especially when queerness has so often been misrepresented, erased, or hidden in plain sight. By queering the story of Villiers, he opens the door to a deeper understanding of how museums can embrace inclusive storytelling — not by outing individuals from the past, but by acknowledging the emotional truths and queer possibilities their lives suggest.
The talk centred on a striking portrait of Villiers, held in the Leicestershire County Council’s collection, revealing not just a significant historical figure, but a portal into local and national queer heritage. As a man born in Leicestershire who rose to the heart of political power through a close — and possibly romantic — relationship with the king, Villiers embodies a story of ambition, desire, and transformation.
Jon Sleigh reminds us that LGBTQ+ history is not niche — it is human history. His talk invited everyone, regardless of background, to see themselves reflected in museum spaces, and to recognise the joy, complexity, and beauty of queer lives across time. It’s a celebration not only of Villiers’ legacy but of the right to exist, to love, and to be visible in our shared cultural memory.
Visit the virtual exhibition https://leicestershirecollections.org.uk/villiers-revealed