Art in UK public collections is owned by all of us, but do you sometimes look at art and think 'what is that?' Well, we're here to help!
Your Art, Unlocked is a new podcast series about unexpected objects in museum collections.
The first series features artworks from Wolverhampton Art Gallery, Aberdeen Archives, Gallery & Museums, F. E. McWilliam Gallery & Studio, Walker Art Gallery, The Box Plymouth and Cyfarthfa Castle & Park.
Each episode has its own host – series one's hosts are Ruth Millington, Shane Strachan, Dickon Hall, Jon Sleigh, Precious Adesina and Steph Roberts.
In this episode of Your Art, Unlocked, arts educator, learning officer and curator Jon Sleigh visits the Walker Art Gallery to unlock a cheeky ceramic piece by Matt Smith.
Sat in a display case surrounded by Victorian art, a tiny treasure awaits. Two figures are linked together, one wearing a dress and one trousers. But look closely and you'll see that they are both sporting the most indulgent mutton chop sideburns!
Matt Smith's Happy Union on display in a gallery of Victorian art at the Walker Art Gallery
The two figures are, in fact, male-presenting – the work was made to mark the 2013 UK marriage equality act.
Jon talks to Matt about queer representation and his love of camp, while Charlotte Keenan, Head of the Walker Art Gallery, explains how Matt's work prompted her to radically rethink the Walker's own collection.
This is your art in your museums and galleries, so let's get to know it a little better.
Your Art, Unlocked is produced by Art UK and supported by Bloomberg Connects. Listen and follow each week wherever you get your podcasts.
