A vibrant new exhibition by leading disabled sculptor Kitt (aka Lady Kitt) in Hartlepool Art Gallery invites visitors to explore hidden histories, overlooked stories and their own creative responses.
Lines of Legitimacy – which runs throughout LGBTQIA+ History Month and on until Saturday 18 April – is inspired by intriguing items in the Museum of Hartlepool collection.
These include a 19th century “crossing the line” certificate and a Victorian flyer advertising a “legitimate female barman.” These unusual objects highlight how queer and gender diverse histories have often been under recorded - a theme which runs throughout the exhibition. Visitors can see both items in the gallery and discover how they helped shape Kitt’s artistic response.
Lady Kitt
The exhibition features a range of new artworks created with local communities, reflecting Kitt’s distinctive “Mess Making As Social Glue” approach. Their large-scale, colourful “shrines” - constructed from recycled paper, and reused fabrics form welcoming spaces for people to gather, reflect and create.
Visitors are encouraged to take part by adding their own contributions to the evolving installation, handling interactive exhibits and following specially created scents layered throughout the space.
Highlights include Mx Walker, a golden rocking Merhorse sculpture celebrating Hartlepool’s trans and gender non-conforming ancestors. Drawing on maritime myths and the story of ‘Mary’ Walker, the sculpture blends local history, motion and imagination.
A view of the exhibition
Another new work, Lavender Hands, uses purple archivist gloves to honour the often unseen labour of museum staff who care for and preserve LGBTQIA+ histories.
Kitt is an award-winning artist whose work has been shown in major UK and international venues. Among many accolades, they were a North East Culture Awards ‘Newcomer of the Year’ winner in 2022 and won the VAMHN (Violence, Abuse and Mental Health Network) Arts Award in 2023.
Their commissions include projects with QUEERCIRCLE, Craftspace, Arts and Heritage and BALTIC, and they have exhibited at the Saatchi Gallery and the Atlanta Contemporary gallery and the National Centre on Restorative Justice in the USA.
Alongside their creative work, Kitt has served as a trustee for Crafts Council and an Advisory Board member for MIMA.
A view of the exhibition
Lady Kitt said: “It has been joyful collaborating with Freya from the Museum of Hartlepool and local LGBTQIA+ communities to make this exhibition.
“Exploring the museum collections gave me fascinating insights into how LGBTQIA+ people in Hartlepool (and the wider North East) have validated and celebrated our histories.
“Our stories have often been given little space in museums and archives. Sometimes being actively removed from collections. Being supported to make this work feels powerful, particularly at a time when Trans / Queer people are facing increased discrimination.”
Councillor Karen Oliver, Chair of Hartlepool Borough Council’s Housing, Growth and Communities Committee, said: “Kitt has created a warm, imaginative and deeply engaging exhibition for Hartlepool and we are especially delighted to host it during LGBTQIA+ History Month and beyond.
“Lines of Legitimacy shines a light on stories that have been forgotten, while also giving visitors a welcoming space to explore, interact and express themselves. It’s a truly fascinating and inclusive exhibition.”
Entry to the exhibition is free, and Hartlepool Art Gallery is open Tuesdays to Saturdays, 10am–4pm. For further information, visit www.culturehartlepool.com.