THE UNIVERSITY of Reading has unveiled new statues to mark the impact of the slave trade around campus.
Four globe sculptures have been installed in prominent locations around Whiteknights Campus which will for part of a “globe trail” installation.
The pieces were originally created in 2022 as part of The World Reimagined, an educational art initiative designed to help the public learn from history and inform future choices.
That installation saw more than 100 such globes displayed around the UK before going on sale.
The university launched a crowdfunding project to buy some of the works, which were then selected and voted on by staff and students.
After consultation with a number of relevant groups, enough for four globes was raised.
Globes exploring different elements of the legacy of the Transanlantic slave trade were chosen, including pieces in memory of the thousands of slaves who lost their lives at sea, and those celebrating African music and culture.
The Globe Trail will be part of a map currently being developed to guide users around all of the public art on display on campus.
The globes have now been installed at the main Palmer Quad, in front of the library building, outside Park House, and in the garden next to the URS building.
Dr Hannah Lyons, Curator of University Art Collections at the University of Reading, said: “The University of Reading is proud to host the work of four incredible contemporary artists, who each explore different themes that reflect the legacies of the transatlantic slave trade. From exploring the complexity of Britain’s relationship with Africa, the Americas and the Caribbean, to celebrating the spirit and culture of the African diaspora, each globe takes you on a journey of discovery. It is important to understand our past in order to create a more hopeful vision for the future.
“These globes will form a trail that will launch later this year, but in the meantime, we hope everyone that visits campus will enjoy this thought-provoking and striking public art exhibition.”
