A MAJOR new exhibition celebrating Bournemouth's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community will go on show at the Russell-Cotes Museum this spring.

Refracted: Collection Highlights will commemorate the 50-year anniversary of the partial decriminalisation of homosexuality in England.

The exhibition, made possible with the support of the Heritage Lottery Fund, takes inspiration from the rainbow flag, which has been used since the 1970s to symbolise LGBT+ Pride.

Volunteer curators chose paintings and objects from the museum's collection to reflect the colours of the flag and their associated themes, including sexuality, life and nature.

A number of the works in the exhibition reflect human LGBT+ experiences over the decades before decriminalisation.

One of these works, The Annunciation, was painted by Simeon Solomon, an artist arrested and imprisoned for his sexuality.

A programme of events will run alongside the exhibition, including talks, workshops and children's activities.

Judith Richardson, a volunteer co-curator, said: “It’s been fascinating to see and select pieces of the Russell-Cotes’ rich heritage and to share these with the wider community.

"I found a painting of Rudolf Nureyev particularly fascinating, as it represents the Russell-Cotes’ more recent past, when Nureyev filmed Valentino on location here in the 1970s.”

Nerys Watts, head of the Heritage Lottery Fund South West, said: “We were delighted to support this project, particularly in time to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the partial decriminalisation of homosexuality.

"It is wonderful to welcome the opening of this exhibition, the inspiring result of a project which has put the LGBT+ community in charge of ensuring the stories that matter to them can be heard.”

Cllr Lawrence Williams, who sits on the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum’s Management Committee, and is the responsible Bournemouth Borough Council Cabinet member, said: “It is fantastic to see members of the local LGBT+ community working together with the Russell-Cotes to select the pieces that will be included in this exciting new show.

"I encourage local residents and visitors to go along to view what promises to be a stimulating and fascinating exhibition in Bournemouth’s beautiful seafront gallery.”

Refracted: Collection Highlights will be shown between May 13 and September 8.

Bournemouth's Pride weekend takes place on July 1 and 2.