National Trust prepares to reveal untold stories in new exhibition of Tibetan artefacts at Kedleston Hall

How Did We Get Here?is a collaboration between the National Trust and members of the Tibetan community living in Britain. The exhibition explores the journeys of carefully selected objects and features a newly created film that includes powerful personal stories.

Set within the magnificent state rooms of the 18th century mansion, visitors will be able to see the objects at close quarters alongside Encounters, a new film created by British-Tibetan artist Nyima Murry. Her film features first-hand accounts that bring a new perspective to the pieces in the collection.

The exhibition also includes stories crafted by British-Tibetan writers, imagining the possible journeys the selected artefacts have taken to reach Kedleston Hall. Their words, together with the stories that feature on Encounters, and in the additional behind the scenes film, invite people to reflect on how collections are formed and understood.

As part of the exhibition experience, the Conservation Studio next to the Museum will offer the rare opportunity to get a behind the scenes insight into the conservation work, techniques and collaborative decision-making that helped make the exhibition happen.

Morgan Feely, Property Curator at Kedleston Hall, said: “How Did We Get Here? has been a meaningful partnership as we move towards telling the fuller stories of the collection pieces and places in our care. By working closely with members of the Tibetan community, we are able to share histories that are both personal and global. It helps us understand the journeys of these remarkable Tibetan artefacts to this stunning stately home in the heart of Derbyshire.”

“We are fortunate to have also been able to collaborate with Nyima Murry. Her film is deeply moving and features some powerful personal stories that invite people to reflect on how objects find their way into museums and collections worldwide.”

Nyima Murry is a designer and artist whose research-based practice spans filmmaking, installation, and architectural design. She often works with diverse communities to highlight overlooked voices and stories.

Speaking about the project, Nyima said: “As a British-Tibetan artist, this was hugely significant to me, and it was an enormous privilege to be trusted with the voices and stories of all those involved.”

“The honesty, vulnerability, and openness that everyone involved brought to the film was beyond my expectations, and I feel very privileged to have worked with these people to create something that centres the human story in the reimagining of these objects.”

“Through telling the human story, I hope the audience can gain a new layer of understanding and appreciation of the objects. They aren’t simply historically important, but they are culturally important to the Tibetan community today. Tibetan heritage and culture are not fixed behind glass screens, but continue to be dynamic and alive, and I hope this film inspires audiences to celebrate these untold stories.”

Kedleston Hall was built as a temple to the arts by architect Robert Adam in the 18th century and today has an outstanding collection of paintings, sculptures and original furnishings. Visitors can explore the state rooms and view the Kedleston Museum, which houses hundreds of objects collected by George Nathaniel Curzon, who was then Viceroy of India, during his travels to South Asia and the Middle East.

The exhibition is free to enter with admission to Kedleston Hall and there’s no need to book. Over the coming months there will be a number of How Did We Get Here? events taking place. Visitors can look forward to an outdoor trail set within Kedleston’s extensive gardens and parkland later this year.

How Did We Get Here? runs from 14 February to 27 September and has been supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.

For more information about the opening hours and admission charges of Kedleston Hall, and its park, grounds, restaurant and shop, visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/kedleston-hall