New exhibition at Queer Britain, 'Top' by Claye Bowler, a "celebration of being trans and overcoming struggle"
– 2 min read
Queer Britain, the UK’s first and only LGBTQ+ museum, has announced a new installation, Top, by Claye Bowler, opening 10 September.
This exhibition, disguised as a museum store, uses Bowler’s experience as a museum registrar to create an archive of his seven-year journey through the UK’s healthcare system to access gender-affirming top surgery - from the artist’s first visit to a GP to his recovery after surgery revisions.
Comprising drawings, films, photographs, letters, sculptures, and collected objects, the installation explores the political priorities of museum collecting, entering the emotions and physicality of being trans into a fictionalised archive.
Claye Bowler said: “When creating Top, I initially thought it was about dysphoria, but through sharing it and engaging with visitors during its first showing, I realised it’s actually a celebration of being trans and overcoming struggle. I’m excited to share the work again with Queer Britain visitors, allowing people to experience this joy again.
"The work also comments on queerness in a museum context, of the purpose of museums, and of collecting objects. As the first museum dedicated to LGBTQ+ stories, Queer Britain offers the perfect context for this work to resonate and question these ideas.”
Andrew Given, Chief Executive of Queer Britain, added: “We are delighted to bring this important work to London for the first time, and for our visitors to experience a story of trans joy. A celebration of the trans community is needed right now – their voices are being silenced, and their right to exist peacefully in society is being challenged. Trans rights are human rights, and the community will always have a place at Queer Britain Museum”
Visitors to Top can also see a display from the Museum of Transology, the UK’s most significant collection of objects representing trans, non-binary and intersex people’s lives. Alongside this is the last chance to experience the We Are Queer Britain exhibition - marking the 50th anniversary of the UK’s first Pride March - before the galleries close in December for the installation of a brand-new exhibition opening in February 2026 to coincide with LGBTQ+ History Month.
Top is accompanied by an events programme which includes an A conversation with Claye Bowler and E-J Scott (curator/creator of the Museum of Transology) on Wednesday, 17 September at 6.30pm at W Hotel London.
