iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Jon Sleigh @jonsleigh.bsky.social · 11/12/2025

Beautiful day with friends at the National Portrait Gallery exploring connection, huge thanks to all for joining me! My lunchtime treat was the Cecil Beaton exhibition - lavish, elegant and punctuated with some very tender / human moments.

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Reposted by Jon Sleigh

Rebecca Rideal @rebeccarideal.bsky.social · 03/11/2025

Fancy spending the summer at the University of Oxford learning about the Stuarts? Look no further! My summer course is now open for applications ⬇️ The Stuarts: The Fall, Rise and Revolution of a Dynasty, 1603-1714 lifelong-learning.ox.ac.uk/courses/the-...

lifelong-learning.ox.ac.uk

The Stuarts: The Fall, Rise and Revolution of a Dynasty, 1603-1714

This course investigates the story of the Stuarts (1603 to 1714) in the context of the political, social, religious, economic and cultural history of seventeenth century England.

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Jon Sleigh @jonsleigh.bsky.social · 30/10/2025

Beautiful day working with my friends at Sheffield Museums on exhibtion development / consultation. Head full of ideas, heart full of sharing and my belly…. full of tea and biscuits 🤓huge thanks to all who joined us today.

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Jon Sleigh @jonsleigh.bsky.social · 24/10/2025

Had THE loveliest time working with my friends at The National Gallery tonight 🙌I was such a lucky chap to be in conversation with Verity Babbs celebrating her wonderful, funny and deeply kind new book.

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Jon Sleigh @jonsleigh.bsky.social · 17/10/2025

Uplifting and emotional day with my friends at Culture Leicestershire filming for a piece on the exhibtion ‘Villiers Relvealed’. Could not be more proud to have been its guest curator as I reflect on two years of work, progress and friendship 🥹

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Jon Sleigh @jonsleigh.bsky.social · 16/10/2025

Meaningful day working at the National Portrait Gallery on forthcoming exhibtions 🙌 tea, biscuits and ending the day on gallery daydreaming with one of my favorites in the collection - unknown artist c1613 Princess Elizabeth Stuart. I’m always struck by the likeness to her father king James here 👌

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Jon Sleigh @jonsleigh.bsky.social · 14/10/2025

Very meaningful day working with colleagues at York Museums Trust. Fascinating and important conversations I was honoured to be part of. Plus a wander around the city with a coffee being an architecture detective ☕️ I felt at times like a character in a novel 🤓

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Jon Sleigh @jonsleigh.bsky.social · 10/10/2025

Inspiring morning interviewing the magical duo of artist Jermeny Deller and curator Emily Stone to explore the recent piece ‘The Triumph of Art’ c2025 at The National Gallery. A mindful conversation covering folk art, festivals, belonging, class, landscapes and our bodies 🤓🙌

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Jon Sleigh @jonsleigh.bsky.social · 09/10/2025

Utterly joyful day working with my friends at Sheffield Museums on an exhibition consultation, using art to express identity. Of the many masterpieces I got to use my hands down favorite is this cheeky Satyr cup, c19 century maker unknown. What a face! 👌thanks to all who joined us

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Jon Sleigh @jonsleigh.bsky.social · 05/10/2025

Beautiful day hosting ‘Silver Sunday’ at The Wallace Collection - craft, conversation and a tour from me in the Great Gallery set to music and storytelling. I was so moved at how many came and deeply engaged with us, massive thanks! My art highlight today has to be Van Dyke’s Paris c1628 🤓

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Jon Sleigh @jonsleigh.bsky.social · 24/09/2025

Beautiful experience today interviewing acclaimed artist Robert Taylor reading Queerness, class and belonging in uk art collections. Revisiting ‘Permissable Beauty’ c2023 at Historic Royal Palaces was deeply moving, as was our piece in focus ‘Ebony Rose Dark’ picture here ❤️

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Jon Sleigh @jonsleigh.bsky.social · 18/09/2025

If you literally look beyond the politics it’s a reminder of the STUNNING artwork the government has at Chequers 🙌

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Jon Sleigh @jonsleigh.bsky.social · 11/09/2025

Lovely day working with my friends at the National Portrait Gallery full of wonder and sharing 🙌 the ‘magic’ time for me though is wandering the galleries at lunchtime, seeing works and spaces that feel like old chums I’m reunited with ❤️

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Jon Sleigh @jonsleigh.bsky.social · 05/08/2025

Really special morning interviewing the brilliant artist Sunil Gupta exploring the intersection of social class, ethnicity, sexuality and belonging. Our starting point was the deeply moving Untitled #02 from the ‘London 1982’ series pictured at the Government Art Collection pictured here 🙌

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Jon Sleigh @jonsleigh.bsky.social · 29/07/2025

Session 3/4 of my dementia friendly storytelling residency at The Wallace Collection ❤️ such a mindful afternoon of discovery around Jan Van Huysum ‘Flowers in a Vase’ c1726 pictured here, lovingly remade in clay over tea and laughter ⭐️

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Jon Sleigh @jonsleigh.bsky.social · 18/07/2025

This looks BRILLIANT 🤓🙌🌈

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Jon Sleigh @jonsleigh.bsky.social · 27/06/2025

LGBTQ+ magic last night with my friends at The National Gallery delivering a members talk on coded messages in art 🌈 a stand out in terms of emotion with the audience was Minerva and Mercury conduct the Duke of Buckingham to the Temple of Virtue Peter Paul Rubens before 1625

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Jon Sleigh @jonsleigh.bsky.social · 24/06/2025

My lovely dementia friendly residency at The Wallace Collection continues - today an exploration of Rembrandt, light and emotion. Then playful use of pastels and blending. Such a nice vibe! Thanks to our lovely group for joining us in the storytelling and making ⭐️

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Jon Sleigh @jonsleigh.bsky.social · 12/06/2025

A delightful morning interviewing Dame Kelly Holmes exploring being a sitter for the National Portrait Gallery 💖 together we spoke of becoming national art history, LQBTQ+ togetherness, a shared history of grown up working class, representation and uplifting others.

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Reposted by Jon Sleigh

Queer Heritage and Collections Network @queerhcn.org · 19/05/2025

Find out more about artist Aaran Sian: www.instagram.com/aarancyan/?h... If you are not able to visit in person, you can view every phase of the exhibition, including the previous iteration co-curated by @jonsleigh.bsky.social, in this interactive digital exhibition: villiers.digital-exhibition.uk

villiers.digital-exhibition.uk

Villiers Revealed Digital Exhibition

Virtual Tour

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Jon Sleigh @jonsleigh.bsky.social · 18/05/2025

Two places of worship visited this weekend - both sensational x

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Jon Sleigh @jonsleigh.bsky.social · 06/05/2025

Heartwarming day at The Wallace Collection delivering our relaxed dementia friendly opening of the exhibition ‘Delusions of Gradure’ by Grayson Perry - delighted by how many joined us and the emotion we found in the storytelling 🥰 having the gallery to ourselves a huge luxury 🙌

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Jon Sleigh @jonsleigh.bsky.social · 01/05/2025

A day working in my beloved brum and chance to see ‘Rembrandt: Masterpieces in Black and White— Prints from the Rembrandt House Museum’ at Birmingham Museums Trust - beautiful, intricate and excellent storytelling.

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Jon Sleigh @jonsleigh.bsky.social · 29/04/2025

Lovely prep day working at The Wallace Collection and time in the exhibtion ‘Delusions of Gradure’ by Grayson Perry - fascinating and immersive. Struck a cord with me on many levels, the biggest being how I project myself onto gallery spaces. Loved it 🙌

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Jon Sleigh @jonsleigh.bsky.social · 25/04/2025

Reading this for work and I have ‘feelings’…. Excellent read and details but the innate privilege of the authors voice keeps snagging with me, especially in some of the expressions. It’s a seemingIy unchallenged confidence that I struggle to connect with. Perhaps I’m projecting. Perhaps not.

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Jon Sleigh @jonsleigh.bsky.social · 24/04/2025

Such a lovely review of my first book with @brisunipress.bsky.social from @gem.org.uk - massive thanks to Katya Provornaya for the immensely kind words 🙌 means so much to me and made me emosh!

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Adam Koszary @adamkoszary.bsky.social · 16/04/2025

I remember having my mind blown as a (dim) 16 year old when my history teacher really drilled into our heads that laws are just what enough of a powerful interest group decides is right, that the law isn't infallible, and that it can be moral to oppose certain laws

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Jon Sleigh @jonsleigh.bsky.social · 10/04/2025

Double treat today at the Government Art Collection - getting to study / some detective work in the curatorial files of Margaret ‘Peg’ Hughes by William Wissing c1685 plus choccy biscuits and giggles with the wonderful Dr Laura Popoviciu - huge thanks for the time, kindness and care in having me!

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Jon Sleigh @jonsleigh.bsky.social · 10/04/2025

Delicious two days working in London - last night at St Marylebone Parish Church delivering a ‘sense along’ talk featuring the artwork of Benjamin Robert Haydon and then this morning at the National Portrait Gallery delivering a session on actors + playwrights - very lovely audiences in both thanks!

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Reposted by Jon Sleigh

The Museum of English Rural Life (MERL) @themerl.bsky.social · 07/04/2025

these Museums are trying to Educate me

A screenshot of Tanya from The White Lotus season 2, about to say: 'These gays are trying to murder me.'

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Jon Sleigh @jonsleigh.bsky.social · 29/03/2025

A side quest of writing art gallery tours is encountering camp treats such as this book c1950’s. Less of a history resource book and more a case of being ‘sat next to an awful person on the train who won’t stop giving their opinions’… to call this florid is an understatement. Excellent side quest 🤓

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Jon Sleigh @jonsleigh.bsky.social · 27/03/2025

Managed to pull my neck and the kindly doctor has filled me with many many drugs - taking some time off to heal, apologies and normal service will resume shortly, j x

media.tenor.com

a man sitting in front of a laptop with the words oh dear lord on it

ALT: a man sitting in front of a laptop with the words oh dear lord on it

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Jon Sleigh @jonsleigh.bsky.social · 19/03/2025

Stunning 🤩 and this collection is magnificent if you’ve not have the pleasure of its discovery yet 👍

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Jon Sleigh @jonsleigh.bsky.social · 19/03/2025

Obsessed with the game Two Point Museum, can’t get enough of it. You’d think it would be a busman’s holiday for me but I love it 🥰 top highlights are the passive aggressive public announcements - chefs kiss

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Jon Sleigh @jonsleigh.bsky.social · 18/03/2025

Utterly honored and moved to led a session at The Wallace Collection today exploring and challenging the legacies of colonialism in the collection. We read as a group together both pain and inequality, but also change, intersection, inclusion and equitable futures in art. Thanks all for having me!

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Jon Sleigh @jonsleigh.bsky.social · 11/03/2025

Beautiful review of my first book “What Are Museums For?” @museumsassociation.org - deep thanks and for making me happy cry! 🥹

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Jon Sleigh @jonsleigh.bsky.social · 04/03/2025

Really meaningful to write this, as always I’d love to know your thoughts 🌈🙌

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Jon Sleigh @jonsleigh.bsky.social · 28/02/2025

If the world seems rather horrid today a reminder that this amazing piece of art / social history is in the Museum of London x

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Louise Dormer @louise-dormer.bsky.social · 27/02/2025

I went to this talk by Jon Sleigh at Melton Carnegie Museum last night. Fascinating presentation and exhibition! ( I need to get back to Melton at some point) 😊👍

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Jon Sleigh @jonsleigh.bsky.social · 26/02/2025

Loved my day back at Leicestershire Museums and ‘Villiers Revealed’ - getting to share the exhibition firstly with amazing colleagues @queerhcn.org and then for an public evening talk was an utter joy. Beyond humbled and moved the exhibition is being so well received - massive thanks to all 🤓🌈🙌

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Jon Sleigh @jonsleigh.bsky.social · 25/02/2025

Special thanks to Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery for making me well up today seeing these treasures from my childhood 🥹 so impactful seeing this curated and recognized as valuable.

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Jon Sleigh @jonsleigh.bsky.social · 21/02/2025

Delighted to be returning to the exhibition ‘Villiers Revealed’ next week with the team at Leicestershire Museums hosting @queerhcn.org - if you are joining us please do say hi! Warm welcome promised with some queer joy 👋 🌈

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Jill Cole @jillrcole.bsky.social · 17/02/2025

Today at @thebowesmuseum.bsky.social to share thoughts with partners #TCRHub, #YMCA #TheWitham & @NHeartlands and the inspiring @jonsleigh.bsky.social about how we move forward in creating safe #queer spaces for young people in #Teesdale

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Jon Sleigh @jonsleigh.bsky.social · 17/02/2025

I’ve had the most beautiful day @thebowesmuseum.bsky.social as keynote speaker today supporting regional creative networks 🙌 immense joy in using the collection to explore welcoming audiences on their own terms - huge thanks for having me!

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Jon Sleigh @jonsleigh.bsky.social · 12/02/2025

Meaningful dialogue today at the Arts Council Collection / Birmingham University research symposium. Delighted to have been invited to participate and so much to ponder, unpack and apply to my own practice. Being back at The Herbert as host venue is a joy 🙌 Massive thanks for having me 🙏

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Jon Sleigh @jonsleigh.bsky.social · 11/02/2025

Utter pleasure to interview / be reunited with artist Rachel Maclean this evening - especially enjoyed our deep dive into “Native Animals” c2019. Massive thanks for the time, warmth and care!

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Jon Sleigh @jonsleigh.bsky.social · 06/02/2025

www.bbc.com/news/article... - as a graduate of this uni I’m devastated it’s closing. I did my BA here in Medieval History, Art and Theology - especially in the late 90’s it was a remarkable place. Unique, quirky, and responsible for producing outstanding medievalists. A massive loss.

bbc.com

Lampeter: University education at Wales' oldest campus ends

There has been more than 200 years of academia in Lampeter, but humanities courses are moving away.

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Jon Sleigh @jonsleigh.bsky.social · 05/02/2025

My next @artukdotorg.bsky.social article is brewing nicely - queer legacies in art since the 1960’s 🌈 one of my many favorites is Prem Sahib ‘Stone’ c2017 in the Government Art Collection - the sink from a queer club preserved and reimagined into sculpture. Looking forward to sharing with you all!

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