HULL : Museum Displays Rare Drawing By William Wilberforce

Wilberforce House Museum has on display, for a limited period, a rare drawing by William Wilberforce.

The drawing of his nanny – Miss Locken, was drawn in the 1760s when William Wilberforce was only a small boy.

Displayed in a new case purchased with public donations, the Wilberforce House Museum exhibits this unique drawing by the abolitionist, alongside anti-slavery ceramics showing characters from the Harriet Beecher Stowe’s American anti-slavery novel, ‘Uncle Tom’s Cabin’ published in 1852.

Councillor Terry Geraghty, Portfolio Holder for Culture and Leisure and Chair of Hull Culture & Leisure Limited, said:

“The Museum Quarter offers a wealth of information, learning and historic collections and this rare drawing provides visitors a glimpse into William Wilberforce’s childhood.

“Due to its delicate condition it will be on display for a limited time and would recommend people to come and view the drawing whilst it is on display.” 

Vanessa Salter, Assistant Curator of Projects at Hull Museums, said:

“This hand-drawn illustration of William Wilberforce shows he was just like any other little boy and wanted to send this letter to his nanny to show how much he loved her. Due to the generosity of the public we have managed to purchase a new display case to exhibit exciting objects for the public to see.”

The new display case will show a rotating programme of artefacts from the Wilberforce and slavery collection.

The rare drawing will be on display until Friday 20 January 2017.

Located at the birthplace of William Wilberforce, Wilberforce House Museum is based at the Museums Quarter on the High Street. The museum is free to enter and is open Monday – Friday 10am – 5pm and Sunday 1.30 – 4.30pm.