Anti-Slavery Medallion
1787 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
The anti-slavery medallion design was based on the seal commissioned by the Society for Abolition of the Slave Trade and was sculpted in 1787, probably by William Hackwood, Wedgwood’s best modeller. Moulds were used in the Wedgwood factory to accurately reproduce the medallion, using two contrasting colours of jasper clay.
Wedgwood’s anti-slavery medallions became popular protest symbols. Abolitionists customised them into fashionable, wearable accessories such as buckles and hairpins. By making the medallions in his unique jasper clay Wedgwood was spreading awareness of his signature product to a wealthy audience, while contributing to a cause he believed in.
Wedgwood’s anti-slavery medallions became popular protest symbols. Abolitionists customised them into fashionable, wearable accessories such as buckles and hairpins. By making the medallions in his unique jasper clay Wedgwood was spreading awareness of his signature product to a wealthy audience, while contributing to a cause he believed in.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Jasperware with applied relief |
| Brief description | Anti-slavery medallion, yellow jasperware with black relief, Josiah Wedgwood & sons, Etruria, 1787 |
| Physical description | Round yellow jasper medallion with black relief of a kneeling enslaved figure with writing around the edge 'Am I Not a Man and a Brother?' |
| Dimensions |
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| Marks and inscriptions | WEDGWOOD' |
| Gallery label |
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| Credit line | V&A Wedgwood Collection. Presented by Art Fund with major support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, private donations and a public appeal. |
| Summary | The anti-slavery medallion design was based on the seal commissioned by the Society for Abolition of the Slave Trade and was sculpted in 1787, probably by William Hackwood, Wedgwood’s best modeller. Moulds were used in the Wedgwood factory to accurately reproduce the medallion, using two contrasting colours of jasper clay. Wedgwood’s anti-slavery medallions became popular protest symbols. Abolitionists customised them into fashionable, wearable accessories such as buckles and hairpins. By making the medallions in his unique jasper clay Wedgwood was spreading awareness of his signature product to a wealthy audience, while contributing to a cause he believed in. |
| Other number | 11679 - Wedgwood Museum Accession number |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | WE.7832-2014 |
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| Record created | November 28, 2022 |
| Record URL |
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