This exhibition ran from December 2009 to March 2010 and was produced by Manuscripts and Special Collections in collaboration with Nottinghamshire Archives. The academic curator was Dr Richard Gaunt of the School of History.
William Ewart Gladstone, who was Prime Minister of Britain and Ireland four times between 1868 and 1894, was in later life popularly known as the ‘Grand Old Man’. The exhibition marked the bicentenary of his birth (29 December 1809), and celebrated his longstanding Nottinghamshire associations through pictures, cartoons, letters and publications.
Returned to Parliament as MP for Newark, after the Great Reform Act of 1832, Gladstone became closely involved with the Dukes of Newcastle of Clumber and their neighbours. This connection continued after Gladstone retired from his Newark seat in 1846. As a trustee of the Newcastle Estate he played a role in the development of Nottingham Castle and the Park estate. A direct link with the early history of the University of Nottingham is seen in an illustration of him taking part in the 1877 foundation ceremony of University College.
Videos about the exhibition
Two videos are available to view on The University of Nottingham's YouTube channel. They were filmed in the Lakeside Gallery and draw on material in the exhibition.
Part 1 - M.P. for Newark, 1832-46
In the first of two programmes, Dr Richard Gaunt discusses Gladstone's experience as M.P. for Newark (1832-46). Dr Gaunt places the manuscript and artefact exhibits into their historical context, relating them to early-19th century electoral practices and issues of representation and citizenship.
Part 2 - County Connections, 1846-98
In the second of two programmes, Dr Richard Gaunt discusses Gladstone's assorted connections with Nottinghamshire events and personalities after 1846. Gladstone's relations with local aristocratic families, his role in the development of Nottingham Park and his emergence as a political celebrity are discussed through reference to artefacts and manuscripts of the period.
Exhibition Boards
The seven boards from the exhibition are available in PDF format. They present images and text on the following themes:
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W.E. Gladstone: The Grand Old Man in Nottinghamshire
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Gladstone and the Corn Laws
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Gladstone and Slavery
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The People's William
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Gladstone Commemorated
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Gladstone and Political Cartoons
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Gladstone and Newark