Exhibition ~ Elizabeth I & Her People

de bene esse: literally, of well-being, morally acceptable but subject to future validation or exception
Elizabeth I & Her People explores the remarkable reign of Elizabeth I through the lives and portraiture of her subjects.
The Elizabethan period spanned over forty years and was a time of extraordinary enterprise. The known world was expanding through maritime exploration and trade, literacy increased, cities grew in size and the economy flourished. The new opportunities for wealth creation and creativity in this period also led to the rise of the middle classes.


The exhibition includes many outstanding paintings of Elizabeth I and her courtiers including explorers, and soldiers, and enchanting portraits of her female courtiers. Visitors will also come face-to-face with lesser-known Elizabethans including butchers, goldsmiths, brewers, merchants, writers and artists. These will be shown alongside artefacts from the period including exquisite jewellery, books and coins, which give a fascinating glimpse into their way of life.