Explore the exhibition

Villiers Revealed: ‘We Have Always Been Here’

This exhibition uncovers hidden queer histories and stories of erasure, power, and resistance. Centred on George Villiers, a 17th-century duke from Melton Mowbray, it reflects on how his queerness—like many others—was silenced by history. It expands his story to explore how British colonial laws criminalised LGBTQIA+ identities and imposed this repression globally, particularly impacting Black, Brown, Indigenous, and non-Western communities. The exhibition challenges this erasure and affirms that queerness has always existed across cultures and time.

Community Input

The exhibition was co-created through community-led workshops exploring identity, resistance, and history. Participants used collage, poetry, and portraiture to reclaim queer narratives and reimagine portrait art as a layered, expressive space. Workshops led by Nikita Aaashi Chadha and Aaran Sian focused on visibility, connection, and the fluid nature of gender and sexuality across cultures. These creative responses transform history into a living conversation, bridging past, present, and future queer experiences.

Language and Why It Matters

A glossary supports visitors in understanding the exhibition’s terminology. It defines terms like LGBTQIA+, queer, and intersectionality, and explains concepts such as colonialism and gender fluidity in cultural context. The interpretation also highlights the importance of inclusive language, such as respecting pronouns, and acknowledges the complexity of reclaimed terms. This ensures the space is welcoming, reflective, and inclusive for all.

Artwork

View the Exhibition Descriptions here

Visit the exhibition Melton Carnegie Museum www.meltonmuseum.org