New exhibition at Ferens Art Gallery will celebrate Hull’s LGBTQ+ history and communities

A new exhibition celebrating Hull’s LGBTQ+ history opens at Ferens Art Gallery this Saturday (14 August).

Hull Museums and Ferens Art Gallery have been working in partnership with local LGBTQ+ community groups to identify untold narratives in this community-led retelling of Hull’s LGBTQ+ history.

Pride in Our City documents experiences of being part of LGBTQ+ communities in the city, sharing people’s own stories through new interpretations of the collections.

Individuals’ newly created work will also go on display including a David Hockney-inspired photography series, protest placards and a brand-new zine publication showcasing local voices and talent. 

Councillor Marjorie Brabazon, chair of Hull Culture and Leisure, said: “This exhibition puts local people and communities at the heart of its work. It will also influence and improve ongoing LGBTQ+ representation across Hull Museums and the Ferens Art Gallery.

“Hull has a proud history of diversity and inclusivity, so I’m delighted that this important exhibition is taking centre stage at the fantastic Ferens Art Gallery.”

Pride in Our City is an ongoing project which aims to actively increase LGBTQ+ inclusion and representation across all of Hull Museums and Ferens Art Gallery.

The long-term project is being developed with local communities with the view to offering new experiences and perspectives, and to encourage discussion and self-expression.

Lauren Field, community curator: social history and Pride in Our City project lead, said: “It has been fantastic to work so closely with community members to explore and understand the museum and gallery collections much more completely.

“The valid narratives that have been missing from our interpretation previously now take centre stage, helping us to showcase the rich LGBTQ+ history of Hull. The honest and personal stories contributors have shared with us ensure that we are able to represent our audiences and our local communities authentically; highlighting that this exhibition and our museums and gallery are welcoming spaces for all to access and enjoy.”

People can also go behind the scenes of the project by listening to Pride in Our City – The Podcast. Host Dan Vo chats with project curators, artists, and community members about their involvement in the exhibition.

People can find out more at anchor.fm/hull-museums, or search ‘Pride in Our City’ on Spotify.

Pride in Our City is at Ferens Art Gallery in Hull from 14 August until 5 December 2021.