Norman Notley (left) and David Brynley. (Credit: Dorset Museum & Art Gallery)A BU student has curated a new exhibition at the Dorset Museum and Art Gallery to tell the story of successful local artists and lifelong partners David Brynley and Norman Notley.
Known locally as "The Boys", David and Norman lived together in Corfe from 1923. They enjoyed successful careers in Britain and the United States as singers and composers, but very little else has been known about them, until now.
Homosexuality was illegal in the UK for much of their life together but they appear to have been accepted as a couple in the Dorset village.
Maisie transcribing communications from the archive (Credit: Dorset Museum and Art Gallery)Maisie Ball, an Archaeology student at Bournemouth University, began digitising photographs and transcribing communications from journals and letters documenting the couple’s life and individual careers as part of a work placement at the museum.
Maisie said: “When I heard about the collection, I was keen to learn more about the lives of David Brynley and Norman Notley and digitise their story. I particularly enjoyed looking through the vast amounts of photographs, ranging from professional photoshoots to snapshots of their personal lives.
“The photographs that have stuck with me the most are the ones with their many dogs and the rare few of Norman on his own, where you get to see a glimpse of his personality.”
Maisie's display brings together a selection of photographs, letters and diary entries to provide an overview of their personal and professional lives.
A photograph of David Brynley kissing Norman Notley on the cheek is particularly significant as it is the only image in the collection of them being physically affectionate to one another.
Maisie said: “David and Norman were lifelong partners and being able to share their story has been so important as there are not many collections like this that give a glimpse into the lives of LGBTQ+ people from this time period.”
The display will be on view in the Peoples Dorset Gallery at the Dorset Museum and Art Gallery throughout February 2025 to coincide with LGBT+ History Month.
