Abolition Art at City Hall

These exhibitions highlight a city-wide commemoration of the abolition of the slave trade, and include work from the Artists of Notting Hill Carnival and Janice Gunner.

Photographs depicting various scenes from the Notting Hill Carnival line the circular walls of City Hall, showcasing the vibrant colors and costumes of the carnival. Artists want to underscore the importance the Carnival has played in commemorating the legacy of those who fought to end the British Slave trade. The display features costumes, designs, and filmed interviews with carnival artists as well as photographs of the actual carnival. Presented by the Carnival Exhibition Group, this is the first exhibiion of its kind in the UK.

Also on show at City Hall is a patchwork quilt with various symbols depicting the abolition of the British Slave trade. Over 30 people from different parts of Britain contributed segments that Janice Gunner, the designer of the quilt, then arranged to make the finished product. The artistic variety on the quilt includes pictures of famous abolitionists, documents about the abolition movement, and images depicting various scenes of struggle during the movement.

Both of these exhibitions will be on display at City Hall until 30 October and are free to the public.