New Special Exhibition at West Berkshire Museum

To coincide with Newbury's first Pride on 2 July 2022 and the 50th anniversary of the UK's first recognised Pride, West Berkshire Museum has partnered with members of the LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, asexual and others) community to develop an exhibition on the history of Pride.

This exhibition explores how UK Pride started and events that have led to social and political change throughout its history. The exhibition also illustrates why Pride is still important and necessary. Communities have contributed to this exhibition by sharing their stories and reflecting on what it has been like to grow up, or live, in and around Newbury as an LGBTQIA+ person. There will also be objects on display from local people that illustrate their experiences and affirm their identities.

The Museum has a Contemporary Collecting Policy and are always keen to develop the collections so they represent the diversity of our local communities. The Museum aims to provide a sense of place for all who live, work and visit West Berkshire and are encouraging local LGBTQIA+ people to continue to contribute to this exhibition throughout the year with loans or donations of objects. If you would like to find out more please contact: museum@westberks.gov.uk.

Hope and Pride will run for a year from Saturday 2 July 2022 until Sunday 2 July 2023. The Museum is open Wednesday to Sunday, 10:00am to 4:00pm, entry is free but donations are welcomed.