The Most Revd and Rt. Hon. Dr. John Sentamu, Archbishop of York, will today present two slave vases to the Speaker of the House of Lords and House of Commons representing both Houses of Parliament to mark the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade.

The vase depicts a kneeling slave in chains surrounded by the caption ‘Am I not a man and a brother?’. The six priceless vases created by John Mohin, Director of Wedgewood, are replicas of those originally created by Josiah Wedgewood who was part of the 18th century British Committee to abolish the slave trade. 

Prior to presenting the vases Dr. Sentamu said, ‘The vases symbolise hope borne from suffering and tears. In commemorating some of the achievements of the abolitionists, their faith helped to transform the lives of countless men and women across the world. May we also live out that faith and become the change that we would like to see in the world.’

The presentation of the two slave vases to the Rt. Hon. Michael J. Martin MP and the Rt. Hon. Baroness Helene Hayman took place at the Speakers House on Tuesday 23 October 2007.

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About Slave Vases

Wedgewood value the six specially created slave vases as priceless and they are not to be offered for commercial sale. The vase depicts a kneeling slave in chains surrounded by the caption ‘Am I not a man and a brother?’, the motto of Britain's Committee to abolish the slave trade.

Previous recipients of the slave vases at the Walk of Witness service include Richard Wilberforce - the descendent of William Wilberforce, Drexel Gomex – The Archbishop of West Africa and Most Revd. Dr. Justice Akrofi, to give to the President of Ghana.

Item from: The Diocese of York