Anti-slavery Medallion Set In A High Carat Gold Pendant. English, Circa. 1787.

A rare Anti-Slavery medallion set in a high carat gold pendant.

English, c.1787.

The later high carat gold pendant measures 4.3 x 2.8cm including the bail, the medallion measures 3.1 x 2.8cm.

The oval medallion of white jasperware is decorated with a chained, half-kneeling Black man in profile, facing right. Around the figure is the inscription ‘Am I not a man and a brother?’, the image was modelled by William Hackwood and the medallion made by Josiah Wedgwood and Sons Ltd in 1787.

For a similar example, see the collection of the Victorian & Albert Museum, Accession Number: 414:1304-1885.

‘In 1787, entrepreneurial potter Josiah Wedgwood (1730 – 95) produced a ceramic medallion in support of the abolition of the slave trade. A forerunner of the protest badge, Wedgwood's anti-slavery medallions were distributed for free at abolitionist society meetings to promote the cause.’ 

Source: https://www.vam.ac.uk/articles/the-wedgwood-anti-slavery-medallion/