Anti-slavery medallion
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1787
This anti-slavery medallion is an oval-shaped plaque made of blue jasperware with applied white relief decoration. The front features a raised figure of a kneeling enslaved man in chains, accompanied by the inscription "Am I Not a Man and a Brother?" curving along the upper edge. The reverse bears the manufacturer's mark "WEDGWOOD'".
Produced in 1787 by Josiah Wedgwood and Sons in Etruria, the medallion was sculpted probably by William Hackwood. Moulds were employed to reproduce the piece precisely using contrasting shades of jasper clay. It measures 32 mm in height and 30 mm in width.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Historical context
The design of the medallion was based on the official seal commissioned by the Society for Abolition of the Slave Trade in 1787. Wedgwood's anti-slavery medallions became widespread protest symbols. Abolitionists adapted them into fashionable, wearable accessories including buckles and hairpins. By creating these pieces in jasper clay, Josiah Wedgwood supported the abolitionist cause while simultaneously introducing his signature material to a wealthy clientele.
Physical characteristics
- Material
- Jasperware with applied relief
- Dimensions
- Height: 32 mm; Width: 30 mm
Technical characteristics
- Inscriptions
- Date: Text: Research required; Latest: Research required; Earliest: Research required; Note: Research required; Type: Research required; Medium: Research required; Method: Research required; Script: Research required; Content: WEDGWOOD'; Language: Research required; Position: Research required; Inscriber: Name: Id: Research required; Text: Research required; Association: Id: Research required; Text: Research required; Description: Research required; Translation: Research required; Interpretation: Research required; Transliteration: Research required
- Maker recorded
- Josiah Wedgwood and Sons
- Place recorded
- Etruria
Identification
- Source note
- Transcribed from the Victoria and Albert Museum collection record for this single object; how far it represents a wider collectible type has not been independently verified.
- Museum object name
- Anti-slavery medallion
- Museum object number
- WE.7830-2014
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.