7 November 2023 – Alex Turrell

Curating controversies

Interpreting Britain's complicated past

The National Trust looks after some of Britain's most valuable buildings and collections from Britain's complicated history. Many of these were acquired by fabulously wealthy aristocrats (some would say despots) during Britain's colonial and slave-trading past. The telling of their stories tells us much about ourselves then and now, and remains controversial today.

Alex will look at the issues involved in preserving and presenting historic buildings and artifacts in a way that is true to the past and relevant to today.

Alex Turrell

Alex's career in interpreting the past started with a BA in Archaeology from the University of Wales, Lampeter. Alex has worked for the National Trust since 2005, and currently is the Senior Collections and House Officer at Powis Castle, with its unique Clive Collection of South Asian objects acquired during the period when Britain's East India Company was the de facto ruler of large parts of India and China.

Alex is passionate about military history uncovering the material past.

Alex and his young family live in Welshpool, Powys. He previously lived in the historic Powis Castle.