'The Death of Colston'

This imaginary deathbed scene was painted by Richard Jeffreys Lewis in 1844, the year Edward Colston's body was exhumed for reburial over 100 years after his death. Kneeling deferentially by his bed is his servant 'Black Mary', who was probably an enslaved African. Colston was the most significant benefactor to the city of Bristol and schools, streets, and a concert hall are named after him. His statue stands in the city centre. Undoubtedly he made some of his money from the slave trade, but the extent of his involvement remains controversial.

Credit/copyright:   © Bristol Museums, Galleries & Archives
Accession number :   Bristol Museums, Galleries & Archives, K3044

Themes
The Campaign for Abolition