Exhibition

Revolution, Revelation, Reinforcement: Queer Legacies in Sheffield’s Art Collection

26 February 2026 - 27 February 2027
Tue–Sat 11am–4pm
Free to all

This exhibition brings together artworks & objects from Sheffield’s collections to explore how Queer art speaks to our lives.

LGBTQ+ art and heritage have endured across the centuries, with communities continuing to express and preserve their Queer stories. This new exhibition brings together artworks and objects from Sheffield’s collections to explore how Queer art speaks to our lives today.

Revolution, Revelation, Reinforcement: Queer Legacies in Sheffield’s Art Collection sees historic and contemporary artworks and objects paired or grouped through three key conversations – Revolution, the historical legal and social constraints surrounding Queer expression; Revelation, coded messages which have been hidden or deliberately obscured; and Reinforcement, how the foundations of Queer art and its histories continue to be retained and strengthened.

Alongside artworks and objects from the city's collections, visitors to the exhibition will also see a new bespoke wallpaper designed by Sheffield artist Lisa O’Hara. The design has been inspired by workshops with local LGBTQ+ communities, including groups from SAYiT and Zest, and visitors to the Millennium Gallery.

Revolution, Revelation, Reinforcement: Queer Legacies in Sheffield’s Art Collection has been curated by Jon Sleigh and reflects his approach to uncovering, contextualising and celebrating Queer histories. Sleigh is an arts educator, learning facilitator and curator working with organisations across the UK.

This listing is supplied by one of our museum partners and is not moderated by Art Fund.

Get a National Art Pass and explore Graves Gallery

You'll see more art and your membership will help museums across the UK

National Art Pass offers available at Graves Gallery

10% off in shop

Expires: 1 Jan 2027

IndividualTiana Clarke Please note this is an example card and not a reflection of the final product

Visitor information

Address

Graves Gallery

Surrey Street, (Above The Central Library), Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S1 1XZ
01142 782600

Free to all

Opening times

Tue–Sat 11am–4pm

Closed Sundays and Mondays including Bank Holidays

Visitor information