About this Event
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 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 48 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:
- Pioneers – refugees of the Second World War and émigrés of the communist era who laid the first foundations of the contemporary community.
- Visionaries – creatives, leaders and professionals who have shaped modern Britain since the 1990s.
- 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)
- 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.
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, Disney+, Apple TV and other leading broadcasters and studios. 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
Exhibition dates & opening hours:
Wednesday 21 – Sunday 25 January 2026
Daily 10.00 AM – 4.00 PM (last entry 3.30 PM)
Please note: the gallery is closed on Saturday.
Tickets:
Free entry or by donation, with advance registration required due to limited capacity.
Your registration is valid for any arrival time within opening hours on the selected date.
Venue:
Peggy Jay Gallery at Burgh House
New End Square, London NW3 1LT, United Kingdom
The venue is fully wheelchair accessible and located approximately 5 minutes’ walk from Hampstead Station (Northern Line).
Limited parking is available; public transport or cycling is encouraged.
Workshops
Free skills workshops on Saturday 24th January and Sunday 25th January, more details on the links below. Separate registration required.
Design workshop: https://artenaba.sk/udalosti/creative-lab-workshop-projekt-heritage-od-napadu-k-dizajnu-a-realizacii/
Still Motion Photography Workshop: https://artenaba.sk/udalosti/studio-workshop-filmova-fotografia-a-atmosfera-obrazu/
Get Involved
Questions, press enquiries or offers to volunteer? Contact us at [email protected]
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Burgh House, New End Square, London, United Kingdom
GBP 0.00
