Exhibition Catalogue

Abstract

Exhibition Catalogue Melanie Unwin Click for larger view View full resolution [End Page 259] Introduction The British Slave Trade: Abolition, Parliament and People is the latest in a series of parliamentary exhibitions open to the public in Westminster Hall. It seeks to explain why the abolition of the slave trade was a momentous issue in the moral and economic life of the country. As well as examining the role of key abolitionists and their endeavours to raise support for their cause, it demonstrates how parliament investigated the business of the slave trade and slavery. The focus of the exhibition is on the 30-year period leading up to the enactment of the bill for the abolition of the slave trade in 1807, the passing of that act was itself only a starting point in the campaign to abolish slavery; however the subsequent campaign, with its many vicissitudes, falls outside the remit of this exhibition. This catalogue documents the exhibits and provides a short explanation of their relevance to the subject. A bibliography is appended for those wishing to investigate the subject further. Exhibitions in Westminster Hall are intended to support parliament's objective of promoting public knowledge and understanding of its role. This exhibition demonstrates how the legislative process was directly affected by the swirling (often conflicting) currents of popular opinion and commercial interests. There are striking resonances with parliament today. Evidence presented to parliamentary committees plays a key role; mass publications sway the mood of parliament; and pressure groups intensively lobby the various players. The exhibition includes two petitions submitted to parliament from the people of Manchester. The submitting of petitions is an example of a method of communicating with parliament which is still open to the public and actively used. To engage young people, particularly those who are soon to be voters, in the work of parliament is an important imperative of the Parliamentary Education Service. Their appointment of Rommi Smith as writer-in-residence to the exhibition has been a new and exciting departure for parliamentary exhibitions. Her work will provide a unique opportunity for those pupils directly involved with the residency, but will also provide teaching resources which will be available to schools across the country. [End Page 260] Given the emotive and complex subject matter, no exhibition can fully capture all the nuances of the debate. So our exhibition is accompanied by a number of other events to explore these. A series of seminars has been organised in partnership with the History of Parliament Trust at the Institute of Historical Research. The On the Road to Abolition project has been undertaken in partnership with the National Gallery, National Portrait Gallery, Tate Britain and Westminster City Council and Archives. The project includes a map, website and downloadable audio tour (www. westminster.gov.uk/abolition) of the sites around Westminster which relate to the slave trade and black history in the area. The online resource developed by the Parliamentary Archives, Parliament and the British Slave Trade 1600-1807 (www.parliament.uk/slavetrade) allows some of the exhibition exhibits to be explored in more detail, but also draws extensively on the vast range of archival material which documents parliament's relationship with this issue. Designed as an interactive resource the website provides a reference point for visitors to the exhibition as well as those unable to come to London. The exhibition's writer-in-residence has been actively involved in the development of the website, which has provided another outlet for her work. We hope that the website and this publication will provide a lasting legacy for the exhibition, allowing the material drawn together during this bicentenary year to be widely available in the future. This will provide the impetus for greater research into, and understanding of, the subject of Britain's involvement with the slave trade. [End Page 261] Curatorial team Machel Bogues Victoria and Albert Museum Dr Stephen Farrell History of Parliament Professor James Walvin Consultant Curator Melanie Unwin Deputy Curator, Palace of Westminster Project Board Dr John Benger (chair) Jessica Bridges Palmer (press officer) Tim Jarvis, Clerks Department Jill Pay, Assistant Serjeant at Arms David Prior, Assistant Clerk of the Records, Parliamentary Archives Melanie Unwin...