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Painting of Elizabeth Castle from 1764

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History

Trade Roots

A powerful exhibition that examines the evidence of the Island’s involvement in the transatlantic slave trade

Details

26 March 2022 - 31 December 2024
Jersey Museum, Art Gallery & Victorian House

We examine the evidence of the Island’s involvement in the transatlantic slave trade, including Jersey’s Lieutenant-Governor Sir George Carteret who was a founder member of the Royal Africa Company that traded in ivory, gold and enslaved people in the 17th century; Captain François Messervy of Jersey who was killed in 1722 during an uprising on board his slave ship off the coast of Africa; and Jersey trader Josué Mauger who in 1752 advertised enslaved people for sale in Nova Scotia, Canada, where his business was based.

This exhibition takes place in the Victorian House at Jersey Museum, with its impressive mahogany staircase, because new research has shown that the house was built partly on the profits of the transatlantic slave trade. ‘Trade Roots’ explores Jersey’s historic links to slavery, from Islanders who owned mahogany plantations overseas and traded in slave-produced goods, to those who campaigned for the abolition of slavery.

Thought-provoking, and at times challenging, this exhibition exposes some uncomfortable new stories from Jersey’s past and examines the legacy and impact of transatlantic slavery on the Island’s community today.

Jersey Museum by Dockers Statue

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The Yard Walk

Explore the history of St Helier with this guided walk which starts and ends at The Yard at Jersey Museum & Art Gallery.

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Town Walk

A short stroll through Town to discover some hidden gems of historic St Helier.

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History

Claude Cahun and Jersey

Claude Cahun (1894-1954) was an artist, photographer and writer. She is best known today for her surreal self-portrait photographs.