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Abolition 2007: Events In London This Weekend
22/03/2007
Image: photo shows petrol can tops laid side to side looking like human faces
Detail from La Bouche du Roi, an installation piece by artist Romuald Hazoumé in the shape of a slave ship. It's just been acquired by the British Museum and is on display in Room 35. Photography: Benedict Johnson. Courtesy of the British Museum.
The transatlantic slave trade was abolished on March 25th, 1807.
Look out for major events at the National Portrait Gallery, the National Maritime Museum and particularly at the British Museum where around 50 events will be happening in just four hours.
The story of slavery will unmissably permeate all the galleries of the museum and the day will end with a hour long commemoration in the Great Court led by a telecast from Nelson Mandela.
The events cover all sorts of mediums - film seasons (that continue into the summer), walks, performance, art classes as well as the more traditional museum exhibitions. The vast majority are free, and offer a chance to get a really nuanced picture of the different aspects of the story.
Here we pick out just a few choices - mixing major exhibitions with small scale talks. For a more complete London listing, search here - or for events across the country, explore the Abolition of Slavery website.
Image: photo shows romuald hazoume with his artwork in the background
Romuald Hazoumé. Photography: Benedict Johnson. Courtesy of the British Museum.
1. FRIDAY Begin the weekend with gospel music and readings by actor and playwright Kwame Kwei Armah at the National Portrait Gallery March 23rd, 15:00 Free.
2. FRIDAY Alternatively find out about how women affected abolition at the Yaa Asantewaa Arts Centre. There's a panel discussion and live performances as well as readings from Mary Prince.
Image: photo shows close up of single petrol can from installation with red feather on it
Detail from La Bouche du Roi. Photography: Benedict Johnson. Courtesy of the British Museum.
3. SATURDAY Find out about the traces of the slave trade in art and design at the Victoria and Albert Museum in a tour led by historian Peter Ashan. 24th March, 15:00. Free.
4. SUNDAY You can read the British Museum's complete listings for the coming weekend here.
It's hard to choose just one or two things from this huge programme, but look out for actor Emmanuel Ighodaro's readings from Olaudah Equiano (Room 1, 16.50) or Simon Schama reading from his book on the trade, Rough Crossings (Room 25, 16.40) or go back 2 million years with Jill Cook to find out about the first diasporas (14.20, Room 2). There's also a chance to watch free films about Olaudah Equiano (A Son of Africa, 14.30) and Paul Bogle, the '19th century Malcolm X' (Catch A Fire, 16.00).
All events March 25th, 14:00 - 18:30 Free.
Image: photo shows petrol cans laid out in the shape of a slave ship
The complete installation from above. Photography: Benedict Johnson. Courtesy of the British Museum.
5. SUNDAY Go for a walk around Lambeth with knowledgeable historian S I Martin and see your neighbourhood in a new light. Discover its connections with slave owning families and the abolitionists. March 25th, 16:00 Free. Meet outside Holy Trinity Church, Clapham Common.
6. The October Gallery has commissioned three African artists for their latest exhibition From Courage To Freedom. A chance to see more work by Romuald Hazoumé whose installation about the slave trade La Bouche du Roi has just been acquired by the British Museum. until 28th April, Free.
Image: photo shows event at the british museum with crowd watching actress
Courtesy of the British Museum.
7. Back at the National Portrait Gallery again Arguing Abolition is your chance to relive the early 19th century with actors representing the issues at the time of Abolition. The audience are invited to intervene in the debate and question the players on both sides of the Abolition of the transatlantic trade. 30th March - tickets required from the main hall.
British Museum
The British Museum, Great Russell Street, London, WC1B 3DG, England
T: +44 (0)20 7323 8299
Open: Museum opening hours:
Saturday - Wednesday 10.00-17.30
Thursday - Friday 10.00-20.30
Great Court Opening Hours:
Sunday - Wednesday 09.00-18.00
Thursday - Saturday 09.00-23.00
Reading Room Opening Hours:
Saturday - Wednesday, Friday - 10.00-17.30
Thursday 10.00-20.30
Closed: Closed 1 January, Good Friday and 24-26 December every year.
National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London
National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London, SE10 9NF, England
T: 020 8858 4422
Open: Daily, 10.00-17.00
Last admission is 30 minutes before closing.
From 3 May–31 August 2008, the Royal Observatory courtyard will remain open until 8pm.
Closed: All three sites close early on 31 December and open late on 1 January and on the occasion of the London Marathon each year.
National Portrait Gallery
St Martin's Place, London, WC2H 0HE, England
T: 020 7312 2463
Open: Monday - Wednesday & Saturday - Sunday 10am - 6pm
Gallery closure commences at 5.50pm
Evening Openings Thursday & Friday 10am - 9pm
Gallery closure commences at 8.50pm
Closed: Good Friday, 24-26 December, 1 January
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