About this Event
Join us for an exclusive private view, a VIP opening night bringing together the photographer, creators, and special guests for a truly one-of-a-kind exhibition experience, set within the elegant gallery spaces of the historic Burgh House in Hampstead.
The evening includes a live piano performance by Peter Breiner, the world-renowned conductor and pianist, accompanied by complimentary wine and drinks, creating a refined and intimate cultural evening.
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 powerful photography exhibition featuring 48 portraits of individuals, families, and community organisations across generations and professions. Each portrait is set against a hand-painted canvas by Hapaca Studio and paired with the sitter’s own words, offering an intimate and nuanced 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.
Share Your Story Wall
Visitors are invited to contribute their own written memory or reflection in Slovak, Czech, or English. Selected submissions will become part of the exhibition, appearing both in the gallery and online, extending the project through shared voices, personal histories, and lived experiences.
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
Opening night (Private View):
Tuesday 20 January 2026, 6.00–8.00 PM
Curator’s welcome at 6.15 PM, followed by a live piano performance and complimentary wine and drinks.
🎟️ Only 50 private view tickets available.
Exhibition public 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:
21–25 January: 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.
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 16.96
