This bronze statue entitled ‘The Slave Girl’ is displayed on the main staircase in the house at Cragside. It was modelled by the London sculptor John Bell and acquired by Lord Armstrong in around 1870.
The American Civil War and the publication of Uncle Tom’s Cabin had sharpened awareness of the plight of slaves. In an attempt to reflect this mood, Bell created a figure that was popular at the time, but may be uncomfortable to modern eyes.
In acquiring and placing the statue, Lord Armstrong was making a statement against slavery which was well understood by his generation. *
*From an information leaflet placed by the statue.
It is certainly a striking piece even if the message it conveyed at the time is not obvious
It is a striking piece. The meaning isn’t obvious so the little bit of background history helped.
WOW. That’s a powerful statue, Cherry. She actually seems much more glamorous than what she portrays, I’m afraid. (sigh)
Now that you mention it she does look rather glamorous. I just saw her as looking proud and defiant despite the injustice and indignity of her situation.
Beautiful statue.l Mickie
It is an impressive piece of art.
I saw this statue today and I’m not convinced it portrays what the notes next to it claim. Indeed, newcastle.gov.uk website claims it’s the statue is a celebration of slavery. Writing this as I watch ‘Who Do You Think You Are’ on BBC1 about slaves working in the sugar plantations.
I would be grateful if you would you give me the link on the Newcastle gov. site so I can explore this further.
Thanks.
I can’t remember seeing this piece but then again I have developed an interest in sculptures since I started following blogs. This post raises more questions than answers as I also have found the relevant Newcastle.gov page. Whatever the sculpture is meant to represent there is a tension in it’s presence as I wonder if Lord Armstrong could feel comfortable mixing his conscience with his maritime business.
This post for me is the one that inspires me to re-visit Cragside sooner rather than later.
I have seen the link now, but I am not sure which version is true. The information at Cragside feels to be the right version because he was so generous in his other actions.
It needs further investigation searching via google doesn’t provide any quick answers.
Wonderful sculpture
It is an impressive piece, it draws the eye.
A visually impacting statue.
Reading your commentators, it doesn’t look like a celebration.
I agree it doesn’t look like a celebration. The expression on her face says it all to me.