African Heritage Volunteer Tours in Europe 1600 – 1815

Victoria & Albert Museum

fridays and saturdays until 23 December 2017

Come and join our volunteer guides and share in their passion and pride as they reveal the extraordinary Afro-European narratives within the new Europe 1600 – 1815 galleries.

Friday 18 August 2017

Bust of a Youth, unknown artist, circa 1600-1650, V&A London

The Black Image in European Art
Kim Sheldon
15.00 – 16.00

1. The Black Image in European Art
Seeking hidden stories and untold lives that capture the imagination. Glimpse
into the varied lives and status of those of African decent living during this
period. Inspired by their presence in paintings, sculpture and interior design. We
look for the narrative behind these mostly forgotten unnamed faces.
Volunteer Tour Guide – KIM SHELDON

Friday 18 August 2017
Through the Looking Glass: Africa in Europe
Holly Graham
19.30 – 20.30

Through the Looking Glass: Africa in Europe
Through examining a selection of objects in the Europe 1600 – 1815 Galleries,
will highlight the African presence in Europe during this period; touching on
narratives of exploration, exploitation, and expansion. You will explore how
artisanal depictions of the “other” act as mirrors, reflecting how the artists’
viewed themselves and their communities, and throwing concerns of status
and self-image into sharp relief.
Volunteer Tour Guide – HOLLY GRAHAM

Saturday 19 August 2017
Idealism and Status Through Imagery
Nkechi Noel
15.00 – 16.00

Idealism and Status Through Imagery
This tour will touch on the use of imagery for political idealism and social status.
Artifacts in the European Galleries help us to gain an insight into the political
ideals of the day and give a sense of what imagery conveyed depending on your
status. The overriding complexities of the period had great impact and still
informs us today.
Volunteer Tour Guide – NKECHI NOEL

Friday 1 September 2017
An Indelible Footprint: African Presence in Europe
Stella Akintan
15.00 – 16.00

An Indelible Footprint: African Presence in Europe
The black presence in Europe is more extensive than many people may think.
The Europe Galleries display an array of objects that shed light on this rich and
complex history. We highlight the stories, debates, impact of early globalisation,
the changing African image, and the revolutionary changes that paved the way
for the Europe we know today.
Volunteer Tour Guide – STELLA AKINTAN

Friday 1 September 2017
Europe 1600-1815: Discovering the Black Histories Behind the Objects
Lauren Johnson
19.30 – 20.30

Europe 1600-1815: Discovering the Black Histories Behind the Objects
From Page Boys to the Queen of Sheba; explore the motifs of Europe’s depiction
of African people. Hear about the real experiences of African Caribbean Men
and Women during this time and beyond.
Volunteer Tour Guide – LAUREN JOHNSON

Saturday 2 September 2017
Mysterious Spectacle: The African Representation in European Art
Joy Johnson
15.00 – 16.00

Mysterious Spectacle: The African Representation in European Art
An exploration of images of Africans in European Art from 1600 – 1815. The rise
of the transatlantic slave trade and the presence of black people in Europe are
illustrated in varied artefacts and paintings. We will consider the concept of the
exotic African image and its significance in European culture.
Volunteer Tour Guide – JOY JOHNSON

For a full schedule visit the website here.

All tours are free and drop-in. There is no booking procedure. Meet at the MEETING POINT in the Grand Entrance of the V&A Museum (first come first served).

Museum Address:
Victoria & Albert Museum
Cromwell road
London
SW7 2RL
Nearest Station: South Kensington
Buses: C1, 14, 414 and 74

Categories: Announcements, News, & Upcoming

Tags: Africa in Europe, African gaze, African heritage, European art, exhibition, V&A museum