David Harewood: Portrait in Harewood House important for me and my household
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ctor and author David Harewood mentioned the disclosing of his portrait within the Harewood House marks a “significant day” for him and his household.
The Homeland and Blood Diamond actor, who was raised in Birmingham, is the descendent of people that have been enslaved within the 18th century on a Caribbean sugar plantation, owned by the 2nd Earl of Harewood.
The portrait will likely be displayed as a part of the Missing Portraits sequence this weekend, which goals to handle the dearth of various illustration inside the Harewood House artwork assortment.
In a small half, we’re making a visual change within the current and acknowledging the previous, which is able to hopefully create ripples for a way the long run is formed.
“Seeing my portrait enter the collection Harewood House marks a significant day for myself and my family,” Harewood mentioned.
“Harewood House plays an important role as it continues to acknowledge its own history and the impact that this has had on future generations.
“It is vital that we continue to discuss the legacy of slavery and its impact in the UK and abroad.”
The portrait will likely be accompanied by an exhibition known as David Harewood: What’s in a reputation? which explores his life, profession and his work as an envoy for psychological well being consciousness and racial inequality.
Ashley Karrell mentioned it was an “honour” to be co-creating this second with Harewood within the historical past of Harewood House in Yorkshire.
“The portrait stands with humility and strength next to those from the 18th and 19th-century, validating those people who were once unnamed and forgotten,” Ms Karrell mentioned.
“In a small part, we are making a visible change in the present and acknowledging the past, which will hopefully create ripples for how the future is shaped. Our ancestors would be proud because this is a story of truth, survival and triumph.”
The Earl and Countess of Harewood, David Lascelles and Diane Howse, mentioned they have been “delighted” to unveil the portrait, including: “By celebrating David’s life and work and engaging with the history that links our two families in this way, we hope to continue these complex conversations and encourage positive change elsewhere.”
The exhibition opens on Saturday September 9 and can run till October 22, opening once more from January to March subsequent yr.