This cupboard provides a very short introduction to the subject of ‘Bristol and the Slave Trade’ in the Museum at John Wesley’s New Room. The subject of slavery and abolition is explored in a deeper way in the ‘war and slavery’ room later on.

It used to be an office store but was converted into a very small exhibition space by creation agency Cod Steaks who worked with Methodist historian Gary Best to completely reimagine the museum during its redesign in 2017.

The imagery in this cupboard is stark. It contains some items and images which some visitors might find upsetting. It is part of a room which explores the differences between the rich and poor classes in Bristol in the 18th century and how the slave trade was a huge part of Bristol’s identity.

This small space cannot hope to begin to tell the whole story. But it provides a doorway of introduction to the trade which is so entwined in Bristol’s history.