Medal
William Hackwood
Category
Coins and medals
Date
1787
Materials
metal
Measurements
28 mm (Diameter); 90 mm (Circumference)
Order this imageCollection
Wallington, Northumberland
NT 585438
Summary
Bronze medal showing a handshake with the words 'May slavery & oppression cease throughout the World'. On the back, a kneeling, chained, enslaved African man is depicted. The figure's hands are clasped in front and raised in supplication under the slogan 'Am I not a man and a brother'. This medal is based on a seal that was designed for the anti-slavery campaign in 1787 by William Hackwood, a modeller for Wedgwood's Etruis factory. It became a popular symbol and was used in publications, on banners, medals and pins and was adopted as the movement's logo. Wearing items which reproduced the image became both a political and a fashion statement and helped to make opposition to slavery a popular cause.
Provenance
Gift from Sir Charles Philips Trevelyan 3rd Bt
Marks and inscriptions
Verso: AM I NOT A MAN AND A BROTHER Recto: MAY SLAVERY & OPRESSION CEASE THROUGHOUT THE WORLD +
Makers and roles
William Hackwood, modeller workshop of Wedgwood, designer