Uncover the untold stories of individuals, communities, and movements that fought against transatlantic slavery, highlighting enduring legacies and the ongoing struggle for justice.
Joy Labinjo, An Eighteenth-Century Family, 2022. Photograph: Fitzwilliam Museum, University of Cambridge © Joy Labinjo. Courtesy of the Artist and Tiwani Contemporary.
‘Rise Up’ is a powerful new exhibition at the Fitzwilliam Museum that explores the history of the fight to end transatlantic slavery, its aftermath, and its enduring legacies. Drawing on recent research, this exhibition focuses on the period from 1750 to 1850, a time of significant change and upheaval in the struggle for abolition. The stories of individuals and communities from across the Caribbean, Europe, and the Americas are presented, shedding light on the key figures, movements, and events that played pivotal roles in the abolitionist cause.
One of the exhibition’s central themes is the often-overlooked contributions of Black Georgians and Victorians to the British abolitionist movement. Figures like Francis Williams, Ignatius Sancho, and Olaudah Equiano (also known as Gustavus Vassa) will be highlighted, revealing their essential roles in the abolition of slavery and British cultural life. These individuals, many of whom have untold connections to the University of Cambridge, worked tirelessly to raise awareness and challenge the institution of slavery.
The exhibition also highlights the vital and often forgotten contributions of women who played crucial roles in the abolition movement as resistance leaders and revolutionaries. Women such as Nanny of the Maroons, Phillis Wheatley, Sanite Bélair, and Zilpha Elaw are commemorated for their courage and activism in the fight for freedom. Their stories offer a deeper understanding of the diverse forces that shaped the abolitionist movement across the Caribbean, Europe, and the Americas.
Through over 100 carefully selected historic and contemporary artworks, objects, printed books, and manuscripts, ‘Rise Up’ sheds new light on the Age of Abolition. Many of these items are on loan from institutions in Montreal, Ottawa, Puerto Rico, France, and the USA, alongside Fitzwilliam’s collections and other public and private collections in the UK. The exhibition offers a historical perspective and connects the abolitionist struggle to contemporary issues of autonomy, equality, and social justice. Despite the passing of almost two centuries since Britain outlawed slavery, the exhibition highlights how these struggles continue today for people across the world.
By bringing together these powerful historical and contemporary voices, ‘Rise Up’ invites visitors to reflect on the legacies of slavery and its ongoing impact on our world. It serves as a reminder that the fight for justice and equality is ongoing, and it challenges us to consider how we can continue to work toward a more just and equitable future.
The exhibition will be on view from 21 February until 1 June 2025. For more information, please visit The Fitzwilliam Museum.
