Loss and Liberty at Docklands Museum

Loss and Liberty, a powerful new collection of ceramic artworks and poems produced by offenders at Wandsworth Prison, goes on display at Museum of London Docklands in its London Sugar & Slavery gallery from 5 August–30 November 2009. Inspired by the themes in the gallery, the display makes personal connections between the artists’ lives and the history of transatlantic enslavement. It builds on the long-term relationship between the Museum and Wandsworth prison. The 15 works on show are diverse and striking, from expressive portraits to symbolic pieces representing the experiences and legacies of slavery. The Wandsworth inmates collaborated with staff involved in the creation of the gallery, ceramicist Tunde Akinniranye, sculptor Jennifer Wolf, historian Angelina Osborne and writer Ronnie McGrath. The artworks express the gallery themes that spoke most strongly to the group. Lucie Fitton, Inclusion Officer, Museum of London Docklands, says: “Loss & Liberty is a thought provoking and exciting display. Our London Sugar & Slavery gallery enables all Londoners to explore the city’s role in transatlantic enslavement. It is important that we share this experience with people who cannot visit the Museum. “This project, like all of our social inclusion projects, is a two-way street. Throughout, the participants gain a wide variety of skills through group working, writing and creativity. But their work also helps us to learn more about what London, and its stories, means to people.” Loss and Liberty runs from 5 August to 30 November 2009 Notes 1. For more information and images please contact Tim Morley at tmorley@museumoflondon.org.ukor call 020 7814 5607. 2. Museum of London has worked with offenders at Wandsworth Prison on a variety of inclusion projects over the last 5 years. The last exhibition to come out of this partnership was Mind’s Eye, a series of paintings about the capital which was displayed at the Museum in 2006. 3. Museum of London Docklands explores London's long history as a port through stories of trade, migration and commerce. A changing programme of activities caters for visitors of all ages and includes talks and gallery tours, storytelling, drama, films and guided walks. The Museum opened in 2003 and is a short walk along West India Quay from the Docklands Light Railway or ten minutes from Canary Wharf underground station on the Jubilee Line. Open daily 10am-6pm (except 24, 25 and 26 December) www.museumoflondon.org.uk/docklands. 4. Museum of London Docklands together with Museum of London and Museum of London Archaeology inspires a passion for London. Located at London Wall, Museum of London tells the lively story of London from prehistoric times to the present day. Museum of London Archaeology conducts excavations which continually remap our understanding of the city. Based in Hackney it provides independent professional advice and services to property sector and heritage clients and is the home of the Museum’s extensive archaeological archive, with finds from all over London.

 Printable version