Villiers Revealed – Welcome to our virtual exhibition

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For centuries, queer lives—and those of other marginalised communities—have been hidden, misrepresented, or erased from public memory. At Culture Leicestershire, we’re beginning to change that. With support from Arts Council England and a commitment to inclusivity, we’re taking bold steps to make heritage more reflective of the people it belongs to.

This virtual exhibition, Villiers Revealed, invites you to explore hidden LGBTQ+ narratives in our collections—stories that haven’t always been told, but have always been here.

Why a Virtual Exhibition?

Not everyone can—or wants to—enter physical museum spaces. As project consultant Jon Sleigh says, “some people simply aren’t ready or able to access queer spaces physically.” Digital platforms offer a gentler, more accessible route into heritage, allowing people to engage on their own terms.

Watch the trailer here:

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Co-Curated, Community-Centred 

This exhibition was shaped with communities, not just for them. Through creative workshops, community input, and artist collaborations, we’ve centred voices often excluded from heritage. From tapestry-making to collective poetry, these artworks reimagine who belongs in our shared past.

What You’ll Discover

Inclusion in Action

The project’s engagement with heritage has given the community a platform to amplify voices too often sidelined. As one participant put it: “This was a chance to promote queer visibility and accessibility—something that matters deeply to me.” That message of inclusion echoes across every layer of this project—from the Pride flag on our museum’s door to the personal stories in our digital galleries.

In creating together, we’re not just presenting history—we’re transforming who gets to tell it.

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Acknowledgements and thanks:

Aaran Sian (they/them) – Artist and Creative Facilitator

One to One Development Trust – Films, Games and Immersive Storytelling for Social Change

Jon Sleigh (he/him) – Learning Curator

University of Nottingham staff and students

Nikita Aaashi Chadha (they/them) – writer, poet and social commentator

Dosti Leicester – Social and support group for South Asian and Middle Eastern LGBTQ+ communities

Queer Coffee Link Ups – Community centring queer joy & stories

Leicestershire LGBTQ+ Centre – Hinckley Youth Group

Bill Newsinger – Filmmaker

Become a volunteer www.cultureleicestershire.co.uk/volunteering