Portraits of Slovak and Czech Britain - The Exhibition

Portraits of Slovak and Czech Britain is a multidisciplinary project by Slovak Theatre London, created in collaboration with acclaimed photographer Robert Viglasky (Peaky Blinders, Rivals). Inspired by the book The Streets of London Are Paved with Gold by Zuzana Slobodová, the project celebrates the courage, culture, and creativity of Slovak and Czech migrants. Its first outcome is a photography exhibition featuring over 40 large-format portraits of individuals, families and community organisations across generations and professions, all shot against a hand-painted canvas by Hapaca Studio. Each image is paired with the sitter’s own words, offering an intimate exploration of identity, community and belonging.

The show unfolds in three interwoven chapters:

1. Pioneers – refugees of the Second World War and émigrés of the communist era who laid the first foundations of the contemporary community.
2. Visionaries – creatives, leaders and professionals who have shaped modern Britain since the 1990s.
3. Descendants – a new generation navigating plural identities and rediscovering their heritage.

Together they offer a living legacy of resilience and contribution across generations, including Roma, Jewish and mixed‑heritage voices often left out of mainstream narratives.

Interactive Elements (plan about one hour)

• Short‑documentary corner – watch a six‑minute behind‑the‑scenes film on how the portraits and stories came to life.
• Leave‑a‑Story desk – add your own written memory or reflection in Slovak, Czech or English; selected texts will appear in the gallery and online.

Workshops

Free storytelling, history sessions and skills workshops with people featured in the photographs will run during the exhibition. Separate registration links will be announced soon—watch your confirmation email.

Who’s Behind the Project?

Slovak Theatre London is a nonprofit organisation that combines theatre with community storytelling and is now expanding its artistic portfolio. Previous productions such as Migrants’ Rhapsody, Mum, What Did You Want?, and the touring piece Extreme: The New Norm have successfully connected diasporic and mainstream audiences.

Robert Viglasky is an internationally recognised Slovak portrait and film-still photographer, known for his work with BBC, Netflix, and Warner Bros. His cinematic use of light brings each subject vividly to life, and he currently serves as the principal stills photographer for the acclaimed series Peaky Blinders. He is also a member of the prestigious Society of Motion Picture Still Photographers (SMPSP).

Why Now?

2025 marks 80 years since the Slovak National Uprising and the end of the Second World War—pivotal moments in the early migration of Slovaks and Czechs to Britain. With an estimated 150,000 Slovaks and 60,000 Czechs now living in the UK, many still remain under‑represented in the arts. This project preserves their legacies and sparks intergenerational dialogue at a time when post‑Brexit Britain is redefining who belongs.

Key Details

• Opening night: Wednesday 17 September 2025, 6 PM – 9 PM (curator’s welcome at 6:45 PM, live folk‑jazz & refreshments)
• Exhibition hours: Thursday 18 – Monday 22 September, 10 AM – 4 PM (last entry 3:30 PM)
• Tickets: Free, day‑ticket required for capacity management. Your ticket is valid for any arrival time within opening hours on the chosen date.
• Venue: Nunnery Gallery, 181 Bow Road, London E3 2SJ – fully wheelchair‑accessible; 5‑minute walk from Bow Road Underground (District, Hammersmith & City). Limited parking - public transport or cycling encouraged.

Get Involved

Questions, press enquiries or offers to volunteer? Contact us at slovaktheatreinlondon@gmail.com