Discover the passion, the power and the politics of the Tudors at the Walker Art Gallery’s upcoming exhibition

Ever wondered what life was like as a Tudor? Find out at the new exhibition at the Walker Art Gallery.

Focusing on life at the Tudor court, visitors will discover the fascinating politics, powerful family connections and unique culture of the most famous royals in history.

Showcasing around 100 objects, the exhibition includes 68 works from the National Portrait Gallery Collection and a selection of additional loaned objects – some of which have rarely been on public display.

The exhibition presents the five Tudor monarchs: Henry VII; Henry VIII; Edward VI; Mary I; and Elizabeth I, together representing some of the most familiar figures from English history through their instantly-recognisable portraits.

The dynasty’s reign over 16th-century England, from 1485 to 1603, encompassed the tumultuous years of the Reformation, a literary renaissance, conflict with Scotland, France and Spain, and conquest and colonisation in Ireland and America.

This major exhibition will explore the Tudors from a range of perspectives and will spotlight some historically underrepresented aspects of the period, including Black Tudor history and LGBTQ+ history.

One of the highlights on display is the Westminster Tournament Roll from the College of Arms, London, produced in 1511 which celebrates the birth of Henry VIII’s son with Katherine of Aragon, Henry, who sadly died in infancy.

This extraordinary document – last on public display almost 20 years ago, and never before outside of London – provides an insight into the grandeur and spectacle of Tudor court.

Tudor trumpeter, John Blanke appears twice on the Westminster Tournament Roll and was one of the first people of African descent in British history known to have such a visual and written