In the Picture

The display contains 12 photographic art works created by Londoners from eleven boroughs, as part of a community inclusion project. The art works were designed in response to the question:

A statue of Robert Milligan stands outside the Museum of London Docklands. Robert Milligan was an 18th century sugar trader. His business was inextricably linked to the trans-Atlantic slave trade. Is this statue appropriate? If not, who, or what else could stand in his place?

The task was set to engage the participants with the issues explored in the museum’s permanent London, Sugar and Slavery gallery and the wider history of the Docklands area. Ultimately, the creative responses are personal to the artists, which were shaped over eight weeks. During this time the artists took part in a number of workshops with museum curators, archivists, and design professionals. The sessions looked at the history of the Docklands area, understanding of the cultural and philosophical impact of public art and also provided skills in photography and editing software.

Hana Smeeth, The Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust Alternative Education Manager, said: “The Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust is committed to working with people from disparate backgrounds. On In the Picture, one such group got to work together and produce pieces of art reflecting their backgrounds and their place within the history of their city. With the confidence gained from such a creative project, many of the group have subsequently taken up employment and voluntary opportunities. The trust is delighted to have been involved with the Museum of London Docklands and the participants and wishes them every success in their futures.“