The Hew Locke exhibition about the Empire and slavery at the British Museum is corruscating. Extraordinary testimony to our ability to strip away the myth from our past - if we care to? But why does our national museum not have a room *permanently* devoted to our holocaust - our role in slavery? - ThreadSky

jolyonmaugham.bsky.social • 39 days ago

The Hew Locke exhibition about the Empire and slavery at the British Museum is corruscating. Extraordinary testimony to our ability to strip away the myth from our past - if we care to?

But why does our national museum not have a room *permanently* devoted to our holocaust - our role in slavery?

Comments

lizzie-t.bsky.social•39 days ago

Good point, especially as the excellent International Museum of Slavery in Liverpool is currently closed.

richardfleming46.bsky.social•39 days ago

we also need to admit our determined pillaging of the resources and exploitation of the people of the colonies?

richardfleming46.bsky.social•39 days ago

I am reminded of John Buchan's character Richard Hannay in the 39 Steps describing how after a few years in the colonies he had 'made his pile' and was able to return to Britain and live the life of a gentleman. Not, he says, one of the' big piles' but quite enough for him to live as a gentleman...

bagendbrum5.bsky.social•39 days ago

I agree that this aspect of our history should not be swept under the carpet. But your 'Holocaust' analogy I don't agree with.

fjyule.bsky.social•39 days ago

I can't think of one colonising country that wants to own the crimes they committed in the past. Look at what the Brits did in China, Africa, India and even Ireland- and all the stolen artefacts still in the coffers.