|
Click here to view full image
In the 1780s Josiah Wedgwood became increasingly concerned about the inhumanity of slavery. In 1787 he became a leading member of the Society for the Abolition of the Slave Trade. This group included many of the most notable campaigners against the trade, such as Thomas Clarkson and William Wilberforce. Each member would contribute something to the campaign, especially Wilberforce with his parliamentary connections.
Josiah Wedgwood’s contribution was twofold. Extremely well connected in science, the arts, industry, and through the Unitarian church, he was able to focus people’s attention on the issue. His second major contribution was the design, manufacture and distribution of the slave medallion.
In the same year that the Society for the Abolition of the Slave Trade was formed, Josiah Wedgwood asked his senior craftsman, William Hackwood, to model what was to become the most important symbol of the abolitionist movement. The small cameo featured a kneeling slave in chains and the motto ‘Am I not a Man and a Brother’, which was also the seal of the Society.
The slave medallions were worn in hatpins, brooches and necklaces and were also inset in other items, such as snuffboxes. They were one of the earliest examples of a fashion item that was used to support a cause.
Wedgwood produced the slavery medallions at his own expense, and freely distributed them. One notable batch was sent to American founding father Benjamin Franklin in 1788. A copy of Josiah’s accompanying letter exists in the Wedgwood Museum archives, where he explained, “…the subject of freedom will be more canvassed and better understood…”
Category: People , Product Institute: Wedgwood Museum
 |
Show/Hide comments
