LGBTQ+ new collecting

Gender fluidity and diversity have a deep and complex global history. Yet, clear examples of transgender and non-binary lives in museum collections have historically proved difficult to identify.

Thanks to Art Fund support, the V&A has recently purchased 18 works by 10 artists representing a broad spectrum of identities. Some of these new acquisitions join discoveries by the V&A LGBTQ+ Working Group of binary-challenging artists and performers whose work has been in the collection since the 1890s.

Written by: Zorian Clayton, co-chair of the V&A LGBTQ+ Working Group
Published: May 2025

Collecting Stories

Museum Number
E.874-2022
Title/Description
My Model / My Self
Artist/Maker
Bond, Justin Vivian (Mx)
Location
USA
Date
2015
Materials/Techniques
Ink, Paper, Printing
Object information
Museum Number
C.8-2023
Title/Description
Nontactile Contact in Three Parts
Artist/Maker
Nicki Green
Location
USA
Date
2022
Materials/Techniques
Earthenware, Copper, Soldering
Object information
Museum Number
E.16-1918
Title/Description
Saint Georges
Artist/Maker
Jacquemin, Jeanne
Location
Paris
Date
1898
Materials/Techniques
Paper (fiber product), Printing ink, Lithography, Colour lithography
Object information
Museum Number
E.365:6-2006
Title/Description
Le Mystère de l'Amour' (Marie France and Marc Almond)
Artist/Maker
Pierre et Gilles
Location
Germany
Date
1991
Materials/Techniques
Card, Printing
Object information
Museum Number
PH.435-2023
Title/Description
Sunday Morning During a Drag Ball, 1984
Artist/Maker
Mariette Pathy Allen
Location
New York
Date
1984
Materials/Techniques
Photographic, Ink, Photography
Object information