LONDON. Loss and Liberty, a powerful new collection of ceramic artworks and poems produced by offenders at Wandsworth Prison, goes on display at Museum of London Docklands in its London Sugar & Slavery gallery from 5 Aug – 30 Nov 2009. Inspired by the themes in the gallery, the display makes personal connections between the artists’ lives and the history of transatlantic enslavement. It builds on the long-term relationship between the Museum and Wandsworth prison.

The 15 works on show are diverse and striking, from expressive portraits to symbolic pieces representing the experiences and legacies of slavery. The Wandsworth inmates collaborated with staff involved in the creation of the gallery, ceramicist Tunde Akinniranye, sculptor Jennifer Wolf, historian Angelina Osborne and writer Ronnie McGrath. The artworks express the gallery themes that spoke most strongly to the group.

Lucie Fitton, Inclusion Officer, Museum of London Docklands, says: “Loss & Liberty is a thought provoking and exciting display. Our London Sugar & Slavery gallery enables all Londoners to explore the city’s role in transatlantic enslavement. It is important that we share this experience with people who cannot visit the Museum.

“This project, like all of our social inclusion projects, is a two-way street. Throughout, the participants gain a wide variety of skills through group working, writing and creativity. But their work also helps us to learn more about what London, and its stories, means to people.”

Loss and Liberty runs from 5 August to 30 November 2009.