Join GEM and English Heritage for a study day at Brodsworth Hall and Gardens, near Doncaster, on 20 May 2022 exploring English Heritage’s temporary exhibition, Liberty & Lottery: Exploring the Legacy of the Transatlantic Slave Trade.

The exhibition takes its title from two slave ships part-owned by Brodsworth’s former owner, Peter Thellusson (1735-97), who amassed considerable wealth through financial dealings connected to transatlantic slavery. The study day will bring together the team that led Liberty & Lottery to explore with participants some of the challenges, opportunities and approaches to engaging with this subject matter in a historic house context. The exhibition includes both conventional interpretation both inside the house and around the historic gardens alongside five new sculptures by the renowned carnival artist, Carl Gabriel, which were commissioned for the exhibition. Beautifully formed in bent wire, each of Gabriel’s sculptures reflects just part of the story, including a ship and a grand house juxtaposed with a hut. The choice of wire allows the sculptures, which are placed around the garden on historic plinths, to sit lightly in the landscape. As well as the sculptures, a poetry installation in the dining room includes sections of a poem written about this aspect of Brodsworth’s history by award-winning poet Malika Booker. In addition, a display in the library – one of the remnants of the original 18th century estate – explores how the book collections reflect contemporary (and later) outlooks and interests about colonial life, slavery and commodities.

The study day will be led by the Liberty & Lottery project leads and offers participants an insight into the project’s curatorial, volunteer, and operational elements as well as its potential for learning programmes. This is followed by a networking lunch and afternoon workshops. This event will also feature Dr Tola Dabiri, a critical friend for English Heritage on this project.

Museums Association and Engage members are entitled to the GEM member discount on tickets to this event.

Book your ticket here.