Olaudah Equiano
Olaudah Equiano
Activism
In the late eighteenth century Olaudah Equiano (c.1745–1797) became one of the most prominent and influential black voices of the abolition movement in Britain. Through his writings and public presence Equiano helped reshape attitudes towards slavery and the slave trade.
In Parliament Equiano attended debates in the House of Commons on slavery and the abolition of the slave trade in 1788 and addressed the government directly through published letters on the subject. He corresponded with parliamentarians and one of his letters to Lord Hawkesbury was presented to a Parliamentary Committee as evidence in 1789.
Equiano was 11 years old when he was kidnapped, enslaved and transported to the West Indies, West Virginia, and England where he was baptised whilst enslaved in 1759 in St Margaret’s Church, Westminster. In 1766 in the Caribbean he ‘bought his freedom’ and was recognised as a free man. Between 1766 and 1780 Equiano continued to travel, before settling in Britain in the 1780s. He became a prominent figure of the abolitionist movement and published his autobiography The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano, Gustavus Vassa, The African in 1789. His account of enslavement and freedom captivated and shocked British audiences.
Beyond Westminster, Equiano’s story had a profound impact on the public attitude towards slavery and the slave trade. Following the publication of his book he toured England, Scotland and Ireland, selling copies of his book and speaking on his life and the abolitionist cause. His work undoubtedly helped to shift public opinion, which contributed to the passing of the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act 1807 and the Slavery Abolition Act 1833. Despite his contributions to the movement Equiano is often not remembered alongside contemporary white abolitionists.
Olaudah Equiano African, slave, author, abolitionist by Christy Symington Symington’s bust of Equiano is based on contemporary depictions of the sitter and shows Equiano clothed in fashionable 18th century dress complete with periwig. The sculpture includes elements which refer to the slave trade and to Equiano’s involvement in the abolitionist campaign. The shoulders and upper back of the bust reflect the shape of the continent of Africa–a reminder of Equiano’s birthplace and life before enslavement. The famous plan of the Brookes ship is located at the lower back of the sculpture. The plan, which showed how 454 captive Africans were forced onto this slave ship, was sent to every Parliamentarian by the London Committee of abolitionists to highlight the cruelties of the slave trade. Also visible on the side of the sculpture is an enlarged detail from the Brookes diagram of an enslaved woman highlighting the underreported experiences of women in slavery, and sculpted broken manacles and chains represent the enslavement of people against their will and their path to freedom.
About the artist Christy Symington MRSS (b.1962) is a sculptor based in London. She is a Member of the Royal Society of Sculptors since 2002 and was an elected Director/Trustee from 200307. A focus in her work on making sculptures of people hidden in our history brings their presence into our lives as well as highlighting historically significant legacies. “When I learnt of Olaudah Equiano and his huge significance in UK history, I was shocked to discover that like me, many people I spoke to had also not heard of him or his book, and I wanted to share his story. The bronze Olaudah Equiano sculpture includes an innovative combination of techniques according to Bronze Age foundry where it was cast. It brings together a printmaking process into the bronze casting process at the wax stage, to replicate and implement the well-known Brookes slaves ship diagram as narrative. The light patina was chosen to give a contemporary finish to the bronze.” Christy Symington, Artist
Equiano in Parliament
“The abolition of slavery would be in reality an universal good. Tortures, murder, and every other imaginable barbarity and iniquity, are practiced upon the poor slaves with impunity. I hope the slavetrade will be abolished. I pray it may be an event at hand.” Olaudah Equiano
This bust, acquired by the Speaker’s Advisory Committee on Works of Art for the House of Commons in 2019, is the first depiction of a black abolitionist to enter the Parliamentary Art Collection. “This work is an important acquisition for the Collection as it helps us tell and celebrate the story of an important political figure and survivor of British slavery who helped to change legislation and public opinion. Its acquisition is a small step towards addressing historical imbalance in the Collection. The Works of Art Committee continues to seek ways of redressing the imbalance and ensuring that the Collection reflects the diverse groups and individuals who have influenced Parliament during its long and complicated history.”
Parliamentary Art Collection The Parliamentary Art Collection contains over 10,000 artworks and is owned jointly by the House of Commons and the House of Lords and is displayed throughout the buildings of the Parliamentary Estate. To find out more about the collections visit www.parliament.uk/art
Alison McGovern MP Chair of the Speaker’s Advisory Committee on Works of Art
by Christy Symington
Olaudah Equiano – African, slave, author, abolitionist by Christy Symington, Parliamentary Art Collection WOA S758. All images copyright the artist, © Christy Symington MRSS/DACS 2019
Parliamentary Art Collection
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