Freedom from: Modern slavery in the capital
This display has now closed
The Museum of London and the Museum of London Docklands lift the lid on the shocking reality of trafficking and forced labour in the capital.
In partnership with Anti-Slavery International (external link), the world’s oldest human rights organisation, Freedom from: Modern slavery in the capital explores the personal impact of human trafficking and slavery in London in the 21st century. The exhibition coincides with the International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition and is the Museum’s first cross-site exhibition.
The display will include a map representing cases of slavery across Greater London as well as personal testimonies of those affected by slavery. These include ‘Gheeta’ who was trafficked from India, made to hand over all her earnings to her trafficker and forced her to cook and clean for him. “I would work nearly 80 hours a week, seven days a week. He would hit me if I didn’t come home straight away after my shift.” Gheeta was also raped.
Alongside the personal stories are a series of large-scale commissioned photographs which form the centre-piece of the exhibition. Chris Steele-Perkins from Magnum Photos has taken eleven images which capture survivor journeys, thoughts and a survivor who is now campaigning against slavery and trafficking.
The display crosses both of the Museum’s sites: a photographic display in the Inspiring London Gallery at the Museum of London, and at the Museum of London Docklands, a survivors’ quilt lent by Survivors Connect hangs alongside new patches created by women who have suffered trafficking.
Freedom from: Modern slavery in the capital runs until 20 December 2011 at the Museum of London and until 7 February 2012 at the Museum of London Docklands. Entry is FREE.
