Drawing on new research, Rise Up tells the multifaceted story of the fight to end transatlantic slavery, its aftermath and ongoing legacies. Focussing on the period from 1750 to 1850, it is told through the stories of individuals and communities from across the Caribbean, Europe and the Americas through an interrogation of historic objects and artworks, in conversation with works by contemporary artists.
It highlights the often-forgotten roles played by Black Georgians and Victorians in the British abolition story and in British cultural life, with a focus on Francis Williams, Ignatius Sancho, Olaudah Equiano (aka Gustavus Vassa), Ukawsaw Gronniosaw, Ottobah Cugoano, George Bridgtower, Bill Richmond, Alexander Crummell and Ira Aldridge: all momentum-builders for change and several of whom have untold connections to the University of Cambridge. The vital roles of countless women as resistance leaders, revolutionaries and abolitionists across the Caribbean, Europe and the Americas are commemorated and celebrated including Nanny of the Maroons, Phillis Wheatley, Sanite Bélair, Marie Jeanne Lamartiniére, Mary Prince and Zilpha Elaw.
Over 100 carefully selected historic and contemporary artworks, objects, printed books and manuscripts on loan from Montreal, Ottawa, Puerto Rico, France, and the USA, alongside the University of Cambridge collections, public and private collections in the UK, are brought together to shed new light on the Age of Abolition and the ongoing legacies of enslavement. Despite the passing of almost two centuries since Britain outlawed slavery, for peoples of the global majority the struggles for autonomy, equality and social justice continue today.
More Cambridge Listings MORE
Rise Up: Resistance, Revolution, Abolition
Drawing on new research, Rise Up tells the multifaceted story of the fight to end transatlantic slavery, its…
Rise Up Listening Salons
Take a deep dive into the themes of our Rise Up exhibition at our series of listening salons…
The Rebel From Wisbech
In this lunchtime lecture, join Sarah Coleman – former Articles for Change Project Curator at Wisbech & Fenland…
Meet the Artist: Keith Piper
On Thursday, April 17, 2025, the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge will host “Meet the Artist: Keith Piper,” a…
Zine Making Workshop: Jade Pollard-Crowe
Join us for a hands-on zine making workshop with art-activist and creative freelancer Jade Pollard-Crowe. Jade’s socially…
Meet the Artist: Karen McLean
British contemporary artist Karen McLean talks about her powerful work Ar’n’t I a Woman! (2021), on display in…
Meet the Artist: Kimathi Donkor
Join contemporary British artist Kimathi Donkor for an insightful talk on his work in Rise Up. Discover…
Meet the Artist: Joy Labinjo
Join us at the Fitzwilliam Museum for an intimate evening with acclaimed British-Nigerian artist Joy Labinjo, whose vivid,…