Queer Bath is a month-long celebration of LGBTQ+ arts, culture and heritage across our historic city, uncovering and sharing the hidden queer histories embedded in Bath’s historic buildings and collections.
The Holburne have delved into the museum’s galleries and stores to explore pieces which reflect queer themes and narratives, providing an alternative perspective on the eclectic collection.
Highlights of the Queer Holburne Trail include:
- Shell cameo of Antinous (date unknown)
Antinous was the lover of the Roman Emperor Hadrian (AD 117 – 138). Their relationship is considered by many to be the most famous same-sex relationship of the ancient world. - Bronze plaque of St Sebastian, c 1500
Saint Sebastian was a Roman soldier sentenced to death by archer firing squad. Often depicted as a youthful figure with good looks, a cult following developed around him and he became known as the ‘patron saint’ of the LGBTQ+ community from the 19th century onwards, representing male beauty and homoerotic desire. - Painting of the actor David Garrick as Sir John Brute in ‘The Provok’d Wife’, by Johan Zoffany
In this painting, the actor David Garrick (1716 – 1779) is portrayed as Sir John Brute in The Provoked Wife c.1763. The restoration comedy was controversial at the time, dealing with women’s rights, deceit, and unfaithfulness in 17th century England. Lady Brute seeks distraction from her boorish husband Sir John Brute, and disguises herself in order to have affairs. The scene depicted in the painting reveals Sir John Brute being caught drunk and disorderly, wearing his wife’s dress. - Portrait of Derek Jarman by Maggi Hambling, 1998
Derek Jarman was an artist, film maker, gardener and activist who was very public with his diagnosis of HIV in December 1986. Known as the ‘Gay Plague’, it claimed many lives, including Jarman’s. While it is now no longer a death sentence, there is still stigma attached to the disease.
Holburne Curator Hannah N Mills commented: “Uncovering new narratives to enhance our stories and engage with diverse audiences is essential to our work. The trail has been developed closely with our team of young adult volunteers – the Holburne Future Collective – and we’re proud that they have shaped the wider Queer Bath programme. Supporting our young volunteers as they make such positive changes — not just in our Museum but throughout our city — is truly exciting.”
The Queer Holburne Trail can be viewed on our website, and via our digital guide on Bloomberg Connects.
Image credit: David Garrick as Sir John Brute in ‘The Provok’d Wife’ by Sir John Vanbrugh, Johan Zoffany, c.1763, oil on canvas