Explore the Hidden History: The Guardian and Science and Industry Museum Unite for a Free Exhibition on Manchester’s Cotton Trade and Transatlantic Slavery

The Scott Trust Legacies of Enslavement programme is teaming up with the Science and Industry Museum to create a new exhibition in Manchester. This project comes after discovering links between the founders of the Manchester Guardian and transatlantic slavery.

The Science and Industry Museum showcases how ideas and innovations helped Manchester become the first industrial city in the world. The upcoming exhibition aims to deepen public understanding of how transatlantic slavery influenced the city’s development and how its effects are still felt today.

This landmark exhibition, set to open in early 2027, will last for a year in the museum’s Special Exhibitions Gallery. The location has significant historical ties, as cotton from enslaved individuals once moved through the railway site where the museum stands.

The project is designed with input from African descendant communities and aims for a city-wide program of events. It will include a new permanent schools program and new displays to ensure lasting impact.

The exhibition was announced by Katharine Viner, editor-in-chief of The Guardian, who spoke about the newspaper’s founders’ connections to slavery during an event in Manchester. The project intends to increase awareness about these historical connections, especially focusing on the Black communities affected.

The exhibition not only highlights the history of the past but will also explore themes of resilience and creativity. It aims to tell stories of struggle and skill while addressing exploitation and inequality. Key discussions will also include how scientific and technological advancements were both influenced by and involved in the practice of enslavement.

Sally MacDonald, director of the Science and Industry Museum, stated, “This exhibition will offer a powerful narrative about our shared history and its legacies.” She emphasized the importance of working alongside The Scott Trust to address these sensitive and crucial topics.

Katharine Viner added, “The Guardian’s 19th-century founders benefited from the cotton industry’s connections to slavery. It’s vital for us to build understanding of this history.” This collaborative effort aims to engage the community, particularly those of Caribbean and African descent, in the exhibition’s development.

More details about the project will be released as the launch date approaches. To stay informed, visit the Science & Industry Museum and the Scott Trust Legacies of Enslavement programme pages.

About the Science and Industry Museum:

The Science and Industry Museum narrates the story of how science transformed into industry, heralding the start of the modern era. Located at the historic Liverpool Road Station, the museum showcases significant aspects of Manchester’s industrial history, with ongoing improvements to enhance visitor experiences.

About the Legacies of Enslavement programme:

Launched in 2023, this 10-year project aims to address the impact of transatlantic slavery in the UK and its repercussions on Black communities today. Following a 2023 report revealing The Guardian’s historical links to slavery, the programme explores these themes through various community engagements and partnerships.