Monday, 3 February 2014

Slavery: London Histories

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This image shows a Wedgewood sugar bowl. It is interesting because sugar was an important commodity on slave plantations in the Americas. As such the object is connected with slavery through its aesthetics (it shows a slave) and its purpose.

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This picture shows William Wilberforce. He was an MP who campaigned for the abolition of slavery. In his struggle, he collaborated with 'The Sons of Africa' who were an organization of black Africans in London.

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This is a picture of Ignatius Sancho. As a child he enjoyed a good education in London and became a playwright and a theatre critic.

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Above is a commemorative coin which celebrates the abolition of slavery, in 1807. However laws abolishing slavery in the British Empire did not occur until 1833.

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Above is an image of 'Uncle Tom'. The character is from a novel, but today the term is used to describe slaves who identify with their masters.

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