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William Ewart Gladstone, who was Prime Minister of Britain and Ireland four times between 1868 and 1894, was in later life popularly known as the ‘Grand Old Man’. This exhibition, which marks the bicentenary of his birth (29 December 1809), celebrates his longstanding Nottinghamshire associations through pictures, cartoons, letters and publications.

Having returned to Parliament as MP for Newark, after the Great Reform Act of 1832, Gladstone became closely involved with the Dukes of Newcastle of Clumber and their neighbours. This connection continued after Gladstone retired from his Newark seat in 1846. As a trustee of the Newcastle Estate he played a role in the development of Nottingham Castle and The Park estate. A direct link with the early history of the University of Nottingham is seen in an illustration of him taking part in the 1877 foundation ceremony of University College.