27/08/2026
Ten years ago, Norfolk Museums Service acquired ‘The Duvet of Love’ by David Shenton. A portrait of two men embracing, it is comprised of thousands of button badges arranged on a black duvet and is an extraordinary memorial to friends lost during the AIDS epidemic. We’re thrilled that it is now in pride of place in ‘Kindly Ease the Tension’, the first major exhibition of David’s work, curated by Ian Giles and Ruth Battersby.
The piece is a mosaic made with badges collected by David throughout his life, starting with his Cycling Proficiency badge earned in the 1950s. He wore badges during his years as an art student in the 1960s celebrating pop groups and hippy culture but also collected advertising and holiday camp badges to add to the collection. In 1970 David moved to Norwich to live and work for the next twenty years, still collecting badges, some advertising local businesses and events such as the pantomime at Norwich Theatre Royal. It was during this time that David came out, and his collection grew to include political badges calling for Gay Rights and supporting the Anti-Nazi League; and, from the 1980s onwards, raising awareness about HIV and AIDS. Each badge tells a story. Together they tell a much bigger story about friendship, community, activism, love and loss.
👀 Take a closer look, find your favourite badge, and tell us in the comments! 👀
We are grateful for support from Arts Council England, The National Lottery Heritage Fund and East Anglia Art Fund
