Bitter Sweet: Legacies of Sugar and Slavery in the Caribbean
First chance to see unique Victorian Photographs
Hundreds of photographs will unravel the stories behind a Victorian family trip to eleven Caribbean Islands in Bitter Sweet: Legacies of Sugar and Slavery (from 29th September 2007 until 29th March 2008). The photographs of the Miller and Quilter families will be showcased for the first time in this unique exhibition, which illustrates their travels by steam yacht to the West Indies.
These powerful photographs demonstrate the many contrasting lifestyles of the Caribbean islands in 1899; a Victorian family holiday, an English lady’s amateur photography, conditions and working life within the sugar industry and candid snapshots of Island life.
Research into the photographs revealed that the trip to the Caribbean was more than just a family holiday. Sir Cuthbert Quilter had been asked by the British Colonial Secretary to report on the condition of the sugar industry on the islands. Through new images taken in 2007 by artist and photographer Ken Blackburn, visitors will see a ‘now and then’ contrast with the original Victorian photographs of the industry, its locations and communities.
A personal story will also be revealed within the exhibition through the photographs of hobbyist Norah Blanche Miller. Using an early Kodak camera, her fascinating images capture street scenes and give glimpses into life on the islands.
Exhibition Curator Laura Briggs said ‘These remarkable images show people in fantastic detail and will help to reveal the far-reaching legacy of sugar. It will be a great opportunity to see these photographs on display for the first time.’
Bitter Sweet: Legacies of Sugar and Slavery is part of the Harris Museum & Art Gallery’s programme of events and workshops to mark the Bicentenary of the Abolition of Slavery. Programmed events include curatorial talks, an academic panel discussion on transatlantic enslavement, and creative workshops for all ages.
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