Local school pupils are learning about the city’s slave trade past at workshop sessions in school and the Judges Lodgings museum as part of the Facing the Past project.
Facing The Past is a new project funded by Arts Council England, which aims to reflect, reveal and redress omissions in the way the city of Lancaster has so far commemorated its role in the transatlantic slave trade.
The Judges Lodgings, a partner in the project alongside Lancaster Priory, Lancaster Black History and arts, heritage and community organisations including More Music, has hosted school visits.
The museum houses collections commemorating Lancastrians involved in slavery including furniture makers, the Gillows.
As well as being home to displays of Gillow furniture, the Judges Lodgings acknowledged Lancaster’s slave trade connections when it commissioned Turner Prize winning artist Lubaina Himid’s Swallow Hard in 2007, marking the bicentenary of its abolition.
Lancaster Black History founder, Geraldine Onek has been leading Facing The Past’s history sessions.
At Loyne Specialist School she delivered a sensory story based on the transatlantic slave trade using fictional characters.
“By the end of the session students were able to name the goods imported from the West Indies as well as key places involved in the triangular slave trade,” said Geraldine.
“They shared their feelings about the mistreatment of people just because they had black skin and understood that it was wrong. They understood that although the slave trade is not legal today, racism still happens.”
Artist Sue Flowers taught Loyne pupils about her commission for the 2007 Abolished? project and how art can tell stories, make a difference to people’s understanding and reveal aspects of hidden history.
During Sue’s workshops at the Judges Lodgings, pupils explored the role of sugar and coffee as traded products brought back to Lancaster and produced CD covers for their chosen music by black artists. They also made protest placards to explain how they felt about the treatment of the slaves and what this history means to them today.
Cathedral Catholic Primary School pupils used the story of the graffiti on slave trader Abraham Rawlinson’s memorial in Lancaster Priory churchyard after the Black Live Matters protests, as inspiration for writing newspaper reports.
They visited the Judges Lodgings and saw artefacts linked to the slave trade including the Gillow bookcase bought by Mary Rawlinson, Abraham’s mother. The students also used the Rawlinson’s family tree to discover who was directly/ indirectly linked to the slave trade.
The Cathedral pupils participated in an art workshop too led by artist Nayna Lad, who’s taught art and design in Africa and the UK.
“The modern education system doesn’t give many opportunities for students to be creative and use local history so we hope that this project will inspire educators to teach beyond the classroom and use the history on our doorstep,” said Geraldine.
She is currently compiling a primary schools pack containing online resources as well as activities and teacher notes to support learning of the slave trade.
*Free Facing The Past community workshops are also running alongside the school sessions. The next takes place on November 6 at More Music in Morecambe led by renowned public artist, Venessa Scott followed by Nayna Lad’s workshop at Lancaster Priory on November 13.
For more information, visit: https://www.lancashire.gov.uk/leisure-and-culture/museums/facing-the-past/
Co-op store plans revealed for former village pub near Lancaster
Lancaster and Morecambe MPs slam council over free disabled parking survey
LISTEN: "Where are the parents?" Detective inspector speaks out on Lancaster youth crime
UPDATED: Morecambe Bay mum feeling wonderful after reaching final of Ms Great Britain Classic
What's On: Our Halloween and bonfire/fireworks events guide
Family of Lancaster baby who spent her first six months in hospital back kids' play area appeal
LISTEN: Lancaster Music Festival returns with local and international appeal
LISTEN: Morecambe mum completes one million steps challenge for daughter's legacy of kindness
Blue Badge holder free parking in Lancaster City Council car parks could be scrapped
PHOTOS: Inside new Morecambe second-hand bookstore after couple's dream becomes reality
Popular Lancaster café to close after the owners announce retirement
Police issue warning over cold callers in Heysham area
Acceptable Behaviour Contracts issued as police speak to 26 youths after Lancaster ASB spate
Fundraising for £150,000 revamp of Lancaster playground receives grant boost
Emergency services called to concern for welfare in Lancaster
Community spirit shines as volunteers transform Lancaster community farm
Crews tackle fire at property in Heysham
Lancaster whisky distillery to open new £150k warehouse and bottling hall at former antiques centre
Lancaster man makes final of UK's biggest classic car show
Man arrested for possessing alcohol in breach of police order in Morecambe
