Collections chat: Thursday 11 June

Thursday 11 June

An open session. With thanks to everyone who came.

Woven cotton made at Bentinck Mill, Bolton, for export to West Africa, 1930-1950, 1954.50
Pincushion, inscribed 'Am I not your sister', British, 1790-1810, 1922.895
Objects chosen by Meg.

1954.50 Woven cotton made at Bentincks Mill, Bolton.

1922.895 Pincushion inscribed with the words 'Am I Not Your Sister' and the figure of a kneeling chained woman.

Today's objects were chosen in response to worldwide anti-racist demonstration and a sense of the responsibility we have as historic institutions to explore challenging aspects of our collection's histories. A conversation that ranged from the pleasure that beautiful things can give, to the less comfortable stories that sometimes lie hidden - or not so hidden - within them. Sobering thoughts to take away.

Diagram of notes from the conversation in response to the question 'What slogans or mottos do you treasure or live by? Are they written on objects you own?'

Diagram of notes from the conversation in response to the textile made for export to West Africa.

Diagram of notes from the conversation in response to the anti-slavery pincushion.