Scotland and Chattel Slavery Through the Lens of Art

We have worked in partnership with National Galleries of Scotland to develop ‘Scotland and Chattel Slavery through the lens of art‘, a teacher’s resource inspired by the artwork Lessons of the Hour by Isaac Julien. His artwork is informed by research on chattel slavery, and in particular, the life of formerly enslaved anti-slavery activist and philosopher Frederick Douglass. 

This resource is suitable for History, Modern Studies and Art and Design subjects and for age 11+. 

Find out more and explore the teachers’ notes document on the National Galleries of Scotland website.

Complementing this resource, is Make and resist – art activities inspired by artists of colour, which offers activities inspired by art and resistance. It considers how art can be a useful tool for understanding injustices, thinking about and making the changes we want to see in society.  The three activities feature Artists of Colour who challenge the dominant cultural narratives of white Western society, focusing attention on contemporary Black experience and identity.

These resources were part of Black History Month Scotland 2021 and are available to use year-round.