Art and Class: How the middle classes hijacked the nation’s galleries

explore words discover worlds · May 7, 2025 · 50m

Dive into a discussion about class, culture, and art in a conversation that promises to be as enlightening as it will be provocative. Step back into 1857, mill workers from the North of England embarked on an unprecedented journey to Manchester, witnessing the world’s most remarkable display of art. The Manchester Art Treasures Exhibition wasn’t just another gallery showing; it was a monumental event that attracted over 1.3 million people, including royalty like Queen Victoria, cultural icons like Charles Dickens, and figures from all classes. Fast forward to today, where art galleries seem…