The Freedom Centrepiece 2007
#SUBHEADING#The Freedom Centrepiece 2007#SUBHEADINGEND# In 2006 Hull Museums commissioned silversmith Jocelyn Burton to produce a major silver centrepiece. This was part of the commemorations for the bi-centenary of the abolition of the slave trade in 2007. This will be a lasting testament to freedom and will hopefully be around for the tercentenary. The centrepiece was funded by the Alderman Rupert Alec-Smith Fund and the Wilberforce 2007 Programme. Three leading silversmiths were commissioned to produce a forward looking design that concentrated on the theme of 'freedom'. A panel selected Burton's as the winning one. The panel was made up of experts in silver, slavery, art and community affairs. #SUBHEADING#Winning design#SUBHEADINGEND# #IMAGE#Jocelyn's winning design is based upon the shape of the cowry shell. The cowry shell was used extensively in West Africa as currency and played a major part in the slave trade. The shape is also meant to be representative of a ship's sail in the wind, projecting us forwards into the future. Burton was inspired by a quote from William Wilberforce, on Tuesday 12th May 1789, when he declared in the House of Commons as part of his speech calling for the Total Abolition of Slavery, "I would never rest...I found myself impelled to go boldly forward." The base of the design is ebonised wood, with silver chasing representing the four elements - earth, water, fire and air. This represents the universe, to which all of humankind belongs. The ebony and the cowry shell are also representative of West Africa. Beneath this is a design of broken chains, representing the abolition of the slave trade. Around the base are also names of many different freedom fighters through history, including William Wilberforce. The Freedom Centrepiece, funded by the Alderman Rupert Alec-Smith Fund and the Wilberforce 2007 Programme, was unveiled at the Guildhall on 5th June 2007 by the Prime Minister of Mauritius, Dr Navin Chandra Ramgoolan.
The Brookes Ship Model and Poster
This narrative tells the story of the Brookes ship model and poster which were made to publicise abolitionists' campaign for the abolition of slavery.They were based on an actual slave ship called the 'Brookes'
Wilberforce - Man, Monument and Museum
William Wilberforce, former MP for Yorkshire and anti-slave trade campaigner, is without doubt Hull's most famous son. Read the stories and view the objects then test your Wilberforce knowledge by taking this quiz.
The Campaign Against Slavery
Read about the parliamentary campaign to abolish slavery, womens role in the anti-slavery fight and how growing opposition among the public led to a boycott of sugar produced on plantations.
The Wilberforce Monument
William Wilberforce, MP for Yorkshire and passionate campaigner against the slave trade, was commemorated after is death with a monument paid for by public donation. But who designed it? How tall is it? And how much did it cost to buy? Read on and find out.
Moving the Wilberforce Monument in 1935
William Wilberforce's monument had become a motoring hazard by the 1930s and it needed to be moved to a new, more convenient location. Find out who moved the monument and what secrets are buried beneath...
Slavery Collections at Wilberforce House
Wilberforce House has many objects relating to slavery and the campaign for its abolition. The collection strengths lie in plantation records and anti-slavery material. Read on to discover more about the slavery collections at Wilberforce House.
Wilberforce Bible - Uncovering the Family Secrets
Read about the bibles that were once owned by William Wilberforce (1759-1833) and are now on display in Wilberforce House Museum.
The Hull Tapestry Project
The Hull Tapestry depicts, in colourful and varied stitch, the history and achievements of the city of Kingston upon Hull. The idea was first suggested in June 1990 and was approved by the City Council the following year and the designer Mrs Pat Mackrill was asked to consider possible scenes for inclusion in the panels.
