Edward Colston - One Year On
"There were protests around the world after the filmed murder of George Floyd, whilst being arrested in America. All Black Lives Bristol organised a protest against police brutality and racial inequality. On 7 June 2020, an estimated 10,000 people gathered in Bristol. Protestors pulled down a statue of Edward Colston, graffitied it and threw it into the harbour. Four days later, Bristol City Council retrieved it. Museum conservators stabilised the condition and preserved the graffiti... This temporary display is the start of a conversation, not a complete exhibition. we want to hear your views to help decide what happens to the statue next. Let's sketch out a plan for Bristol's future. All voices will be heard." These are the words that greet visitors to the new consultative display on the statue of Edward Colston (1636 – 1721). It is a small display, tucked away in the corner of one of the galleries upstairs at M Shed. It is signposted by floor markings, and the numb...