The Slave in Chains
Ever since this painting came in to the museum in 1933, there has been a lot of mystery surrounding it. Who painted it? Who is the African in the picture and why was it painted? Over the years, the painting has been attributed to many artists including the Thomas Barker of Bath (1769-1847). However recent research doubts such claims. During the time that the picture was painting in around 1827, the subject matter of an enslaved African would have been controversial. Slavery had yet to be abolished in Parliament and the painting would have drawn attention to the plight of the many enslaved Africans in Britain. The Act for the abolition of the slave trade was passed in 1807. This made the trading in human beings against the law, but slavery still existed and continued until 1833 when it was finally abolished. A similar painting is found... The only clue that we have in tracking the artist down is from a catalogue description from a similar painting exhibited in the London Royal Academy in 1827. This painting was by John Phillip Simpson (1782-1847) with the title, 'The Captive Slave. But Ah! What wish can prosper or what prayer for merchants rich in cargoes of despair'. Maybe John Philip Simpson painted both versions of the painting? The truth behind the painting is yet to be uncovered.
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 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...
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 Freedom Centrepiece 2007
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.
Thomas Thompson (1754 - 1828)
Thomas Thompson was a local businessman and MP, who resided at 25 High Street, now Wilberforce House Museum, for nearly forty years. In 1770 at the age of 16 he went to work as a Clerk to William Wilberforce (senior) in what later became a branch of Wilberforce, Smith & Co Bank.
William Wilberforce - the man (part 1)
Discover more about at the Wilberforce Family and William Wilberforce's early years.
William Wilberforce - the man (part 2)
Read about the impact of Wilberforce's university days and his career in politics.
Contemporary Collections
Wilberforce House Museum has a small collection of objects in its contemporary slavery displays. These objects highlight the continual legacy of slavery and also explore the issue of human rights. They provide the visitor with a view of modern Africa today
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.
Enslavement and Plantation Life
Read about the horrific conditions that slaves endured on board slave ships in the Middle Passage and how they were met with discipline and harsh punishment once they arrived at the plantations.
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.
