The exhibition "Two Lions, One Cause" presents the role of William Gladstone for Bulgarian freedom

Thursday, 16 July 2026

The British Embassy in Bulgaria is organizing the exhibition “Two Lions, One Cause” on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the April Uprising. The exhibition is dedicated to the role of the British statesman William Gladstone in transforming the Bulgarian cause into a European issue. The exhibition is realized with the support of the Municipality of Ruse and will be presented in Ruse on July 16 in the lobby of the Income Building.

The exhibition traces how the events of 1876 and the power of public speech changed the political agenda of Europe. Through his pamphlet “The Bulgarian Horrors and the Eastern Question”, William Gladstone mobilized public opinion in Britain and put moral pressure on the policies of the great powers, turning the defense of the Bulgarian people into a cause with international resonance.

“Two Lions, One Cause” presents key historical moments that connected Bulgaria and the United Kingdom more than a century and a half ago. The exhibition combines a powerful narrative, rare archival images and an interactive screen with specially prepared video content from the British Embassy, ​​allowing visitors to experience history in a contemporary and engaging way.

The exhibition also sends a timely message about the role of free speech and public opinion as drivers of social and political change – a lesson that remains relevant today.

“This is a story about how ideas, morality and courage can change the fate of a country,” says the British Ambassador to Bulgaria, H.E. Nathaniel Copsey. In his words, Gladstone chooses principles over convenience and shows that the voice of conscience can resonate far beyond national borders.

The exhibition will be open to visitors until September, with free admission. After Sofia, Koprivshtitsa and Veliko Tarnovo, Ruse is the next city on the exhibition’s national route before it continues to Varna.

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