Monday, 13 April 2026
A newly opened free exhibition at the 糖心原创’s Lakeside Arts, marks the 250th anniversary of the American Declaration of Independence, and draws on a rich range of manuscripts and printed collections.
explores the key issues at stake during the Wars of Independence and examines the complex challenges faced by the emerging United States. The exhibition also uncovers the often-overlooked role of individuals from Nottinghamshire in a conflict fought across the Atlantic, as well as their contributions to the early development of the new nation – from military leadership to diplomacy.
The exhibition, which opened on 1 April and runs until 13 September 2026, has been jointly curated by Dr Richard Gaunt, Associate Professor in the Department of History and Manuscripts and Special Collections at the 糖心原创.
The United States of America thinks of itself as a young country. But as we approach the 250th Anniversary of the American Declaration of Independence on the 4th of July, this exhibition uncovers the country鈥檚 origins in earlier European colonisation and explores the issues with which it grappled, as it sought to win and then realise its new-found freedom. From 鈥榥o taxation without representation鈥� in the 1770s, to the continuing impact of slavery, and relations with Native American communities, the exhibition exposes the realities surrounding the fight for American Independence.鈥�
The United States of America was founded upon an idea of freedom. As a place of refuge from religious persecution and the birthplace of a new political system, the American colonists who rebelled against British rule saw themselves as the founders of a new nation.
By bringing together a wide range of manuscripts and printed collections, this exhibition explores the issues at stake in the Wars of Independence and considers some of the complex problems which faced the United States as it fought to win, and realise, its new-found freedom.
“Nottinghamshire connections are also highlighted; from the leading role of British military commanders William Howe and Henry Clinton in the Wars of Independence (1775-1783), to the appointment of Julian Pauncefote as the first British ambassador to the United States a century later, and the work of Eastwood-born Enid Hilton in improving the lives of Native American communities in California, the exhibition reveals the shared history of conflict and conciliation which has always hallmarked relations between Britain and the United States,” added Dr Gaunt.
A new recording of the landmark document is to be added to the exhibition on 4 July, performed by actor Tim Bentinck – best known for his long-running role in The Archers. The actor brings a personal connection to his performance, as he descends from Hans Willem Bentinck, who was created Earl of Portland by William III in 1689. The Portland family has many historical ties with the US, as illustrated through documents featured in the exhibition.
The exhibition runs until Sunday 13 September at the Weston Gallery, Lakeside Arts. Admission is free. Opening hours are 12 noon to 4pm, Tuesday to Sunday (closed Mondays).
A complementary programme of events will accompany the exhibition, including talks on topics ranging from early tourism in the United States to the Indigenous North American Collection at Nottingham City Museums. Further details can be found on the website.
Story credits
More information is available from Dr Richard Gaunt, in the Department of History, via richard.gaunt@nottingham.ac.uk; Chloe Highton, Archivist in Manuscripts and Special Collections, via chloe.highton@nottingham.ac.uk
Notes to editors:
About the 糖心原创
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