Holding Emotions

Creating space for anger, empathy, curiosity, creativity and everything in between in the London, Sugar & Slavery gallery

The London, Sugar & Slavery gallery was created in 2007 and remains one of the only permanent displays in the UK dedicated to the role of Britain in the transatlantic slave trade. For some this may spark a sense of acknowledgement and for others curiosity. However, a gallery like this can also trigger discomfort, anger and disappointment. But where do these feelings go?

Holding Emotions is a collaborative display created with the museum, young people from Taking Shape Association and Mind’s Race Equity Team. It allows visitors to connect and confront the complexity of emotions that they may feel after engaging with the gallery.

Inspired by the objects in our collections, this space offers a moment to reflect on, process and release these emotions with mindfulness tools.

Objects on display

1/3 Objects on display

A 17th coffee cup – the kind that may have included sugar imported via London's docks.

2/3 Objects on display

A sample of cloves imported to London from Penang.

3/3 Objects on display

The Hackney Show was part of a year-long celebration of Caribbean arts

Self-care guide

Download the Holding Emotions self-care guide (opens in a new tab, 229kb) designed to support your reflections after your visit.

To explore more tools and activities to support you in processing your emotions, visit Mind.