The tour will look at the collection displays through the lens of gender identity and sexuality, starting in the time of Henry VIII when the most successful artists in Britain were immigrants. Many arrived as refugees, fleeing persecution in their home countries.
We will discover ‘Molly’ houses of the 18th century where men would get together, which were often violently raided by the police.
We will then explore women artists of the 19th century, who had no access to live drawing classes. We then move to the 1960s where gay male relationships were partially decriminalised through the Sexual Offences Act.
We will also look at how Margaret Thatcher’s premiership changed society – and the idea of identity and belonging.
To end the tour, we will explore how systems of control, political tension and the human body under surveillance are made visible by art.
Tate Britain's step-free entrance is on Atterbury Street. It has automatic sliding doors and there is a ramp down to the entrance with central handrails.
- Accessible, standard and Changing Places toilets are located on the Lower floor.
- Ear defenders can be borrowed from the ticket desk on the Lower floor.
To help plan your visit to Tate Britain, have a look at our visual story. It includes photographs and information about what you can expect from a visit to the gallery.
For more information before your visit:
- Email hello@tate.org.uk
- Call +44 (0)20 7887 8888 (daily 10.00–17.00)
