Britain: Abolition of Slave Trade Act
Abolition medallion.
The pottery manufacturer Josiah Wedgwood was a supporter of the Abolition campaign. He contributed thousands of these jasperware medallions, based on the seal of the Committee for the Abolition of the Slave Trade, to the cause. People framed them or made them into jewellery to show their support: they were the first campaign badge, equivalent to an AIDS red ribbon or a charity membership badge.
The seal or symbol of the Committee was designed by a sub-committee, and showed a kneeling chained African, with his hands lifted to heaven and the words 'Am I not a man and a brother?'. Wedgwood copied the design as a Jasperware cameo. He made the first ones in late 1787. The medallions were slipped into the kilns when there was space. It is not known how many were made, but Wedgwood gave away several thousand to supporters. The men who made them were paid 8d per dozen.
Bristol Museums, Galleries & Archives O.4233
The pottery manufacturer Josiah Wedgwood was a supporter of the Abolition campaign. He contributed thousands of these jasperware medallions, based on the seal of the Committee for the Abolition of the Slave Trade, to the cause. People framed them or made them into jewellery to show their support: they were the first campaign badge, equivalent to an AIDS red ribbon or a charity membership badge.
The seal or symbol of the Committee was designed by a sub-committee, and showed a kneeling chained African, with his hands lifted to heaven and the words 'Am I not a man and a brother?'. Wedgwood copied the design as a Jasperware cameo. He made the first ones in late 1787. The medallions were slipped into the kilns when there was space. It is not known how many were made, but Wedgwood gave away several thousand to supporters. The men who made them were paid 8d per dozen.
Bristol Museums, Galleries & Archives O.4233