Leeds and the abolition of slavery

All staff are invited to the launch of a new exhibition at the Stanley & Audrey Burton Gallery exploring Leeds’ links with the abolition movement.

The launch will take place:

On: Saturday 1 October 2011

At: 12.00-2.00pm

In: Stanley & Audrey Burton Gallery, Parkinson Building

Professor Bridget Bennett from the School of English, and English student Yosra Awad, have traced and documented the connections between abolitionist activists on both sides of the Atlantic, focusing in particular on the visits to Leeds by a number of key figures, some of whom had experienced slavery personally.

Professor Bennett will give a short talk on the project and then you're welcome to join them for light refreshments, explore the exhibition and ask any questions that you may have.

The exhibition and accompanying website will reveal the high level of public engagement with abolition in nineteenth-century Leeds, combining lithographs borrowed from the National Portrait Gallery, lectures, photographs, original playbills, archival images and a film to show a crucial part of the city's history, one which has a continued impact today.

The event is free, but booking is essential as places are limited. Places can be booked online.