The Statue of an Enslaved Person in the Museum at John Wesley’s New Room is not meant to represent one particular man, woman or child. It stands as a symbol to remember all persons who have been enslaved, with particular reference to the 18th century transatlantic trade.

This item was made by the Bristol-based creation agency Cod Steaks, who worked with Methodist historian Gary Best to completely reimagine the museum during its redesign in 2017.

It was made by moulding iron chains around a carved piece of polystyrene. The polystyrene was then set on fire so that it melted away, leaving the chains intact, forming the shape of a human being.

The statue takes centre stage in a room which explores John Wesley’s beliefs about war and slavery. He called the transatlantic slave trade “execrable villainy” and supported the campaign for abolition.

We hope that the statue and the display around it contribute to the historical understanding of Bristol’s role in the 18th century trade and the ongoing debate in the city about how we remember, how we make reparation and how we move forward.