With the appearance of spring there are an array of fantastic exhibitions and displays of artwork, sculpture, ceramics, and jewellery across the UK. Fortunately, our team of nationwide specialists are here to pick out their selections for this year’s calendar:
Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style
The Kings Gallery, Buckingham Palace.
From 10th April until 18th October
2026 marks what would have been the 100th birthday of two of modern histories most iconic women – Queen Elizabeth II and Marilyn Monroe – to mark this there are two individual exhibitions opening in celebration of their lives. Firstly, Queen Elizabeth II : Her Life in Style opens in April at the Kings Gallery – I am excited to see highlights from her wardrobe and how fashion created her enduring image.
Marilyn Monroe: A Portrait
National Portrait Gallery.
From 4th June until 6th September
The second, Marilyn Monroe: A Portrait will bring together photograph and works inspired by Marilyn. She is one of the most recognisable figures of the 20th century but works depicting her are varied from when she was a teen model to later more poignant images.
Hawai’i: a Kingdom Crossing Oceans
British Museum, London
From 15th January until 25th May 2026
“Hawai’i: A Kingdom Crossing Oceans at the British Museum is not to be missed! Exhibitions about Hawaii are very rare in the UK, so this is a golden opportunity to learn about the complex historical relationship between the two countries and Hawaii’s rich culture.”
National Trust Jewellery on Display
Nationwide, National Trust Properties.
I was amazed and delighted last year when my local National Trust property, Calke Abbey, announced that they would be putting their previously unseen jewellery collection on display. This incredible selection of jewels are reflective of the Harpur-Crewe family’s history of exploration in Ancient Egypt, and high society lifestyle – with bespoke Egyptian Revival pieces made by Collingwood & Son, set with Egyptian agate beads gathered by Vauncy Harpur Crewe in 1870, and a sensational red topaz and aquamarine brooch purchased in 1836. A collection well worth seeing, and indeed many more at properties throughout the UK – Killerton House in Devon has a ‘History off the Hanger’, and further pieces on display at Erddig in Wrexham, Sissinghurst in Kent, Wallington in Northumberland, Tyntesfield in North Somerset, Belton House in Lincolnshire, and many properties across the UK.
Made in Ancient Egypt
The Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge.
Running until 12th April 2026
The Fitzwilliam Museum are displaying a fantastic selection of Ancient Egyptian artefacts until April, including ceramics, sculpture, and yes- jewellery. This exhibition is the first to explore Ancient Egypt through the lives of its craftspeople- with many objects never before displayed in the UK.
Stubbs: Portrait of a Horse
The National Gallery, Room 1
Running until 31st May
Another exhibition I am keen to see, which strays into our paintings specialists’ territory, is the George Stubbs exhibition at The National Gallery. Showcasing two of Stubbs’ most monumental works, of Scrub and Whistlejacket – two of the first life-size portraits to depict horses without a human presence in British History.
Winston Churchill: The Painter
The Wallace Collection.
From 23rd May – 29th November
My recommendation is an upcoming exhibition at the Wallace Collection, dedicated to Winston Churchill’s paintings. In painting, Churchill found a respite from public pressures and a source of joy that spanned his lifetime. Displaying 50 of his works together, with just under half from private collections, this exhibition is the most comprehensive display of his work to date.
Liz worked in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter for one of the UK’s leading regional jewellery auction houses whilst completing her FGA and DGA qualifications from the Gem-A, achieving top marks in each.
Stephanie has worked in the fine art and antiques industry for over 20 years. She is the former Department Director of Collectors sales at Bonhams Auctioneers. Stephanie was additionally the Head of Bonhams Entertainment Memorabilia department and is a recognised expert in Popular Culture.
Jonathan started his career in the art world at the legendary London picture dealer Thomas Agnew and then to Christie’s in King Street as Director, Auctioneer and Head of Modern British pictures where in recognition of his wide knowledge base Jonathan was also appointed head of British and Irish Art, International Director of the 19th European picture department and Deputy Chairman.
Originally from San Francisco, California, Ashley Innes (née Crawford) is an experienced Asian art valuer and provenance researcher. Her specialties include ceramics, Buddhist antiques, Indian miniature paintings, Southeast Asian art, and musical instruments.