Villiers Revealed: A Journey of Discovery and Queer Visibility

The Villiers Revealed project has been an eye-opening experience for the University of Nottingham students involved, sparking conversations about queer history, heritage, and the importance of representation. From the museum exhibition to personal reflections, the students shared their experiences and the profound impact this project has had on them. As they delved deeper into LGBTQ+ history, they not only learned about curating and museum practices, but also about their roles in uncovering hidden stories and amplifying voices that have long been silenced.

Excitement and Passion for LGBTQ+ History

The volunteers’ enthusiasm was palpable from the start. Bryony, one of the students, shared, “I’m excited to be part of this project because I feel like it means so much to the community, especially the LGBT+ community.” Similarly, Julia expressed her desire to change the historical narrative, saying, “I wanted to get involved because I’m a lesbian and I feel like the (LGBT+) community isn’t really explored historically in museums.” This personal connection was echoed across the group, with Aimee emphasizing their goal to raise queer voices, noting, “I feel as though queer voices aren’t really heard enough.”

The project provided not only the opportunity to learn about curating but also a chance to amplify queer voices in a space where they have historically been marginalized. For Eddie, it was about gaining experience while promoting “queer visibility and accessibility,” an issue close to their heart.

Exploring Queer Histories Through Objects

A pivotal moment for the students came with the visit to Melton Carnegie Museum, where they had the opportunity to engage with the Villiers Revealed exhibition. Emily described the experience, recalling how the ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by the town’s mayor and highlighted by a performance from a drag queen. “We watched the ribbon to the exhibition being cut, and the mayor gave a speech,” she remembered. The exhibition focused on LGBTQ+ history and the importance of representation in heritage, which resonated deeply with the students.

The volunteers were also introduced to the process of curating exhibitions. Emily wrote about a session where they used Post-it notes to represent different artefacts, creating their own mock exhibition displays. “We were split into groups to decide how each object would be presented,” she explained. This gave the students a hands-on experience in understanding the complexities of exhibition design.

Learning About Collections and Preservation

In addition to the exhibition work, the students visited the Collections Resource Centre in Barrow upon Soar, where they learned about the care and preservation of museum artefacts. Conrad reflected on the importance of proper handling, remembering how they were trained to hold artefacts over a table to avoid damage. “It was a powerful reminder of how museums preserve not just history, but also emotional connections and cherished moments,” he shared, recalling a visitor’s touching story about an artefact that reminded them of their late grandmother.

One of the most significant aspects of this visit was the focus on queer artefacts. Conrad noted that they were tasked with researching LGBTQ+ artefacts, a project that encouraged them to think critically about the representation of queer history. He was struck by how everyday objects, like children’s toys or Ladybird books, could become powerful symbols of LGBTQ+ history when viewed through the right lens.

 

The Importance of Representation

The students consistently emphasized the importance of visibility and inclusivity in historical narratives. Julia echoed this sentiment, stating, “I think it’s really important that LGBT+ histories are reanalysed and connected to modern lives today.” By digging into queer history, they were contributing to a more inclusive understanding of the past.

For Aimee, the project offered an opportunity to challenge historical erasure. They recalled how hearing the curator, Jon Sleigh talk about representing historical figures as queer people, rather than hiding their identities, was particularly impactful: “Hearing Jon talk about finally being able to represent historical figures as queer people as opposed to hiding who they were, is really important to me.”

Building Connections and Gaining Experience

Beyond the museum visits and curating work, the students found the project to be a valuable experience in building personal connections. Arwyn described how an icebreaker activity helped them bond, saying, “The system of two-minute conversations in pairs worked well, but inevitably the structure fell apart, and various groups were formed as people sporadically sought those that they hadn’t yet spoken to.” These informal moments allowed the volunteers to get to know each other beyond the formal museum environment.

The sense of camaraderie continued throughout the project. Conrad also shared how the experience deepened his understanding of museums, especially when hearing personal stories about how museum artefacts evoke cherished memories. “It was a touching moment that reaffirmed the power of volunteering on a personal level for me.”

 

A Step Toward Change

For the students, this project was not just about developing professional skills; it was about contributing to something meaningful. Eddie summed it up well: “I am looking forward to gaining more experience within the heritage sector with an opportunity to raise questions of queer possibilities.” The project allowed them to challenge the way history is traditionally told, ensuring that queer voices and stories are no longer overlooked.

This hands-on involvement with the Villiers Revealed exhibition allowed the students to contribute to reshaping the narrative of queer history, ensuring these stories are remembered and celebrated. Through their work, the volunteers have helped bring LGBTQ+ history to the forefront, ensuring future generations will have access to these important stories.

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To read more about the individual experiences of the students involved in the Villiers Revealed project, be sure to check out their full blog posts linked below.

Museum Collections and Finding the Queer in the Past – Conrad’s blog

The Melton Carnegie Museum Visit and George Villiers Exhibition Launch – Emily’s blog

Team Building on the Leicestershire Museum Collections Placement – Arwyn’s blog