Exhibitions

The Bishops of London, colonialism and transatlantic slavery: resistance

On display from 24 April 2023

The Church of England was deeply implicated in Britain’s colonial expansion and the transatlantic traffic in enslaved Africans. The Bishop of London, who lived at Fulham Palace, was one of the Church’s most senior figures, having had jurisdiction over the British colonies around the world.

This exhibition is the culmination of a two-year research project. The exhibition, co-curated with spoken word poet Adisa the Verbaliser, worked with 100 participants from the surrounding community to explore the story of resistance of enslaved people through the four major themes: hair, dance (and martial arts), obeah and song.

The exhibition showcases the work of the community participants and examines the systems of physical and spiritual resistance that ultimately led to the ending of the transatlantic traffic in enslaved people and slavery itself in the British Empire. This is set against the backdrop of the historic involvement of the Bishop of London and the Church of England in colonialism and transatlantic slavery.

Details

• Open during museum opening times

• Admission is free

Seasons in time: the Palace garden from then to now

On display from 16 April 2025 • the drawing room cafè

From the earliest cultivation over 1,300 years ago to today’s heritage planting, uncover how the people, plants and purpose have shaped the Palace’s historic garden.

Tapestry of Black Britons

8 – 19 October • Bishop Terrick rooms

The Tapestry of Black Britons is a thought-provoking exhibition exploring Black history in Britain through textile art.

The exhibition features a series of tapestry panels highlighting the long presence of Black people in Britain. Among them is a panel created with the Royal School of Needlework that depicts local resident Esther Bruce, who served as a fire guard at Fulham Hospital during the Second World War. Another, designed by Adwoa Botchey and Solomon Adebiyi of Adeche Atelier, draws on African mythology to depict a Yoruba Creation Story.

Together, these works form part of an evolving project to create a six-metre tapestry charting Black history in Britain from the Roman era to today. Presented during Black History Month 2025, the exhibition also marks the 80th anniversary of VE Day.

The Bishop Terrick rooms occasionally close for private events. To avoid disappointment, please check our opening times for planned closures ahead of your visit.

Objects from the Oxford University Herbaria

July 2024 – present • temporary exhibition room

Discover rare botanical treasures from the Oxford University Herbaria, on display at Fulham Palace thanks to a unique partnership. This exhibition showcases herbarium specimens and botanical drawings from the time of Bishop Henry Compton (1675 – 1713), who cultivated over 1,000 plant species at the Palace. Highlights include specimens from Charles Du Bois’ global collection, such as the Devil’s Walking Stick and Red Buckeye, and drawings by Jacob Bobart the Younger from the Morison Herbarium, featuring plants like Bush Ganna and Leeubekkie. These remarkable pieces provide a fascinating glimpse into the rich botanical history of the 17th and 18th centuries.

Discovering the Bishop of London’s Palace at Fulham

25 May 2019 – present

The first exhibition in our new museum celebrates our recent £3.8 million restoration project, revealing what was involved in this three-year programme to restore and reinterpret our Tudor courtyard and historic rooms and create new beds in the botanic garden.

Find out how the complex restoration project resulted in a richer understanding of the building of Fulham Palace, how the site was used and the people who lived and worked here over the centuries.

Learn about the work carried out by specialist conservators and craftspeople, and the traditional methods they employed to remain faithful to those used at Fulham Palace in the past.

Discover fascinating finds, from artefacts uncovered through archaeology digs to a 17th century painted wall hidden behind plasterboard.

Learn about the vital role our volunteers played in discovering more about Fulham Palace and the Bishops of London through carrying out an extensive archive research project and participating in archaeology digs.

Details

• On display from 25 May 2019

• Open during museum opening times

• Admission is free

Interested in showcasing your work?

Fulham Palace is a Grade I listed building surrounded by 13 acres of a beautiful Grade II listed garden creating the perfect backdrop to showcase unique and breathtaking works of art. Learn more about showcasing your work at Fulham Palace.