Challenging Legacies: The Kingdom of Iraq and Gertrude Bell

An exhibition that examines the events that led to the creation of the Kingdom of Iraq in 1921 and the role played by archaeologist and colonial administrator, Gertrude Bell.

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This exhibition was on display from 16th January - 5th March 2023, at the Great North Museum: Hancock.

Challenging Legacies: The Kingdom of Iraq and Gertrude Bell will examine the events that led to the creation of the Kingdom of Iraq in 1921 and the role played by archaeologist and colonial administrator, Gertrude Bell. Using original material and newly digitised photography from Bell’s UNESCO International Memory of the World archive, held at Newcastle University, the exhibition will reflect upon the impact of this historically significant period on the rich and diverse landscape of Iraq and the Middle East.

This exhibition was made possible by generous funding from the Harry and Alice Stillman Family Foundation, and the Catherine Cookson Foundation.

Visit the Gertrude Bell archive website, to browse photographs, letters nd diaries from the Gertrude Bell archive of archaeologist and political diplomat, Gertrude Bell, comprising over 12,000 unique records.

Challenging Legacies: The Kingdome of Iraq and Gertrude Bell exhibition poster: title at the top, followed by text of the opening times, location and brief description of the exhibition, then a black and white photograph underneath of palm trees in the foreground and the tops of a mosque in the background

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