Thomas Clarkson

Thomas Clarkson (1760-1846) was committed to the abolition of the slave trade. He published a series of works which provided an intellectual and factual framework for the anti-slavery legislator, William Wilberforce to use. Works such as 'An Essay on the Slavery and the Commerce of the Human Species’ 1786 and ‘A Summary View of the slave trade and of the Probable Consequences of its Abolition’ 1787 paved the way to the abolition of the slave trade. Clarkson also worked extensively with Granville Sharp in campaigning for the abolition, who is also represented in the collection by two prints.

In this unlettered print Clarkson is shown in a study with his quill in his right hand, table to the left on which are placed inkstand, map and other papers. An open chest overspilling with various clothes, weapons and implements is also shown together with a partitioned tray with African produce. A dagger and sheath make further reference to Africa and Clarkson’s involvement in the anti-slavery trade is indicated by the busts of Sharp and Wilberforce on the mantelpiece. The fact hat there is no lettering or inscription on the print suggests it is one of the first states or versions of it.