Lives in Motion: Stories of Migration from the 11th Century to the Present Day

About this event

Lives in Motion: Stories of Migration from the 11th Century to the Present Day is a touring exhibition from the National Portrait Gallery, showing at Nottingham Castle until 8 March 2025. 

Historically, migration has played a major role in Britain’s national life. It is the movement of people from one place to another, nationally or internationally, with those individuals making a place their home, on a permanent or temporary basis. Lives in Motion features stories of migration spanning nearly 1000 years from the collections of the National Portrait Gallery and Nottingham City Museums and Galleries. It is a vibrant show with objects in a variety of media, including painting, sculpture, photography, print, and digital art. It looks at the variety of reasons why people move and explores how leaving home and finding a new one in a different place can present opportunities but also challenges to somebody’s personal identity and sense of belonging. 

Featuring a range of familiar names from throughout history such as William the Conqueror and George Frideric Handel, through to Freddy Mercury and Mo Farrah, the exhibition is arranged chronologically with sections exploring royalty, fame and contemporary commissions by the National Portrait Gallery. While the stories portrayed are of individuals within the portraits, they also demonstrate the lived experience across time.

Please note this exhibition is free once you are at Nottingham Castle, but standard entry charges to Nottingham Castle apply.