This exhibition presents artworks made in the United Kingdom during the twentieth century, placed alongside works created by migrant artists – most fleeing the pogroms or the Nazi regime – or their descendants, as well as works created elsewhere by artists of British origin. It thus emphasises the relevance of cultural exchanges arising from these movements, as well as the mirror-like relationship between the UK and France, or the transit of artists between the USA and UK.

By emphasising the way these movements contributed to the formation of networks of mutual contact and influence, the project takes into account Calouste Gulbenkian’s own condition as a migrant, having moved from his place of origin to study in the UK.

The topic has never been approached in this way outside the UK and pinpoints the key lines in the development of British art. It will also present works by eight Portuguese artists who chose the UK as their place of study and training, some of whom remained there throughout their career.

This conversation with the curators allows a more in-depth understanding of the readings proposed.