Date:1852 - 1853 (c.)
Description:The front cover of this James Watkin's narrative can tell us a lot about the aspirations of the antislavery cause in the 1850's. It contains many important visual elements: Watkin's top hat and 'civilised' appearance indicate his status of freedom; a slave-holders whip lies useless on the floor to the right; manacle chains lie broken at his feet on the left; in his hands he holds a message stating 'now I am free'. But whilst Watkin's stance indicates his freedom, his hand seems to be directing our attention towards something. Is he pointing to the ships in the background, suggesting that slave trade vessels were still in action, and that the problem was far from solved?
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James Watkins, originally named Sam Berry, was born in 1821 on a slave plantation in Maryland. His book, ...
James Watkins, a black antislavery activist, appears to have arrived in Birmingham in 1852. Later, in ...
The front cover of this James Watkin's narrative can tell us a lot about the aspirations of the antislavery ...
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Donor ref:Local Studies: Aston X, 310, Birmingham Vol 26. (8/433)
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