Liverpool’s taxpayer-funded Walker Art Gallery has sparked controversy after classifying two paintings of British hero Admiral Lord Nelson’s final moments as part of its “queer relationships” collection.
The curators cited speculation over Nelson’s alleged “kiss me, Hardy” exchange with Captain Thomas Hardy as symbolic of “hidden LGBTQ+ histories at sea”, despite Nelson’s marriage and well-documented affair with Lady Emma Hamilton.
Critics, including the LGB Alliance, condemned the move as “rewriting history,” arguing there is no evidence Nelson was gay and that museums should instead highlight genuine LGBTQ+ historical figures. The gallery defended its decision as part of a broader effort to represent “overlooked queer narratives”.
Yes, everyone’s a closet poof these days……even historical figures…………
He could have said, “Kick me, Hardy,”