A new exhibition explores slavery and its connection to Manchester. The Portico Library opened its doors in 1806, not long before Atlantic Slave Trade was abolished. Among the library’s founders were abolitionists and pro-slavery activists, with the city’s dramatic growth closely linked to human subjugation. ‘Bittersweet: Legacies of Slavery & Abolition in Manchester’ will delve into that past, exploring those turbulent times with original artefacts and new research alongside artworks by artists of African descent. The artists are silhouette-specialist Mary Evans and BLK Art Group founder Keith Piper. Academic input comes from Quarry Bank Mill’s Sami Pinarbasi, family history expert George Dawes , and the University of Manchester’s Dr Natalie Zacek. Explore ‘Bittersweet’ with a free Portico public launch event on Thursday 14 September from 6pm to 8pm.
Fri 15 Sep – Sat 14 Oct, The Portico, 57 Mosley Street, Manchester M2 3HY. Tel: 0161 236 6785, Mon & Fri 9.30am–4.30pm, Tue–Thu 9.30am–5.30pm, Sat 11am–3pm, FREE, www.theportico.org.uk
- Words:
- Fat Roland
- Published on:
- Mon 9 Oct 2017
