New artwork unveiled at International Slavery Museum for Black History Month

Following a generous £3,000 grant from the Henry Moore Foundation, LR Vandy’s ‘Dancing in Time: Copper Bottom’, has been acquired by International Slavery Museum as part of the museum’s redevelopment plans.  

The sculpture went on display on Friday 25 October in time for Black History Month. 

‘Copper Bottom’ is a 75cm sculpture made by sewing sections of rope together, binding the ends with twine and fastening its centre with a metal cuff. The piece featured in the 2023 pop-up exhibition ‘Dancing in Time: The Ties That Bind Us’ as a handling object for visitors to feel and understand the texture and weight of the rope. 

The rope holds both symbolic and historic importance as it was used in ancient construction, the building of Colonisation and Empire through shipping, as well as its more sinister association with slavery and captivity. Vandy uses the materiality of the rope to create abstract female figures out of twists and turns. 

Godfrey Worsdale O.B.E. Director, the Henry Moore Foundation, said:

“The Henry Moore Foundation is delighted to be able to support this acquisition and the International Slavery Museum. The work of the museum is of exceptional social and historic importance; foregrounding issues that have had, and continue to have, profound consequences for humanity. It is inspiring to see the museum presenting the work of LR Vandy, not only to confront these histories, but also to bring our attention to the potential of the human spirit, and the central role women have played in ensuring that communities can work together to resist the worst kinds of oppression. That LR Vandy articulates this powerful message through an artistic gesture which also embodies a spirit of joyousness is something that we should all recognise. As a charity established to share the potential of sculpture with the wider public, we are also thrilled to see this work demonstrating the ongoing relevance of sculpture and its capacity to give voice to such profound concerns.” 

The International Slavery Museum will close early next year for a major redevelopment, supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Central to National Museums Liverpool’s Waterfront Transformation Plan, the vision for the museum will create a prominent new identity on Liverpool’s historic waterfront. The LR Vandy sculpture will feature within revamped displays, exploring the impact and legacies of historic and modern slavery, representing previously unheard voices and stories.  

Adiva Lawrence, Project Curator, International Slavey Museum, said:

“The International Slavery Museum is committed to honouring the lives of enslaved people, whose names and stories are often absent from the historical record. In ‘Copper Bottom’, LR Vandy pays tribute to the central but traditionally overlooked role Black women have played in keeping traditions alive and binding communities together. Its acquisition by the International Slavery Museum, as it embarks on its important and transformative journey, offers a space for us to imagine and celebrate the lives of women throughout history and make sure they are never forgotten again.” 

Artist, LR Vandy, said:

“It feels so relevant for ‘Copper Bottom’ to be at the International Slavery Museum. She’s a reminder of an oppressive history, and yet forcibly shines through with a physically defiant celebration of resilience: movement and dance will always bring people together. Keep dancing.” 

Find more information on the International Slavery Museum website.

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