Exhibition Preview for 86:26: LGBTQ+ Film, Heritage and Archive
About this Event
Preview on Monday 24 August 2026 from 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Join us for the exhibition preview of 86:26 developed through the In the Margins of the Frame archival research residency. This exhibiton sees CJ De Barra, founder of the Notts Queer History Archive, bring together film, photography and archival material to explore Nottingham’s queer history, nightlife, activism and local industry.
Visitor Information
- Dates: 25 – 30 August
- Days: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday
- Times: 12:00 - 16:00
- Location: Main Gallery, Second Floor
- Address: BACKLIT, Alfred House, Ashley Street, Nottingham, NG3 1JG
Exhibiton Information
86:26: LGBTQ+ Film, Heritage and Archive.
Developed through the In the Margins of the Frame archival research residency, 86:26 sees CJ De Barra, founder of the Notts Queer History Archive, bring together film, photography and archival material to explore Nottingham’s queer history, nightlife, activism and local industry.
Screening the films A Boy Called Mary and More Than a Journey, the exhibition uncovers connections between queer screen histories and the Midlands. These sit alongside objects from BACKLIT’s Alfred House archive, including underwear advertisements produced by Samuel Morley, whose former hosiery factory is now home to the gallery.
The exhibition also includes photographs by Fin Serck-Hanssen documenting Divine performing at Nottingham’s Part Two nightclub during the early 1980s.
Together, these materials reveal how queer histories can be found across film, grassroots collections and everyday objects.
Co-curated by CJ De Barra and Jazz Singh Swali
Image by Fin Serck-Hanssen/ Bono
This exhibition and residency is happening with the support of the BFI Screen Heritage Fund, awarding National Lottery Good Cause funding.
Screenings and Panels
More Than a Journey
- Date: Tuesday 25 August 2026
- Time: 18:00 - 20:00
- RSVP
A Boy Called Mary
- Date: Wednesday 26 August 2026
- Time: 18:00 - 20:00
- RSVP
Access Information
- Step-free access: Available via Alfred Street and via a tarmac ramp to the lower ground floor and Project Gallery.
- Lift access: Our staff-operated lift is currently accessible from Ashley Street only. If you require lift access, please email in advance or use the intercom when you arrive so that a member of staff can assist you.
- Accessible parking: Limited parking is available by arrangement. To book parking, please call 0115 837 2426 or email .
- Toilets: All toilets are gender neutral. Please note that none currently have wide-access doors, although we are actively working to improve this next year.
- Assistance dogs: Guide and hearing dogs are welcome throughout the building.
- Need more information? If you have any questions or access requirements before your visit, please get in touch—we're happy to help.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
GBP 0.00
