Fitzwilliam Museum

An exploration of the epic struggle to end Translatlantic enslavement.

Size
700 sq m

Year
2025

Rise Up: Resistance, Revolution & Reform at the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge explores the epic struggle to end the inhuman system of Transatlantic enslavement. Spanning the tumultuous period 1750–1850, this powerful narrative gathers multiple voices, perspectives and evidence from Britain, the Caribbean, North America and West Africa. Together, they tell the story of an age of resistance, revolution, agency and emancipation. 

The exhibition also explores the narrative’s many connections with Cambridge – some well known, others surprising. Using a rich collection of objects, artworks, print, music, animation and film, Resistance, Revolution & Reform addresses hard-won progress and the ongoing legacies of enslavement, revealing remarkable histories.

Living Object worked closely with the Fitzwilliam’s curators to design an environment that drew out the connections between objects and helped to emphasise important themes. Living Object worked sensitively with both historic and contemporary works to bring out the full significance of the Fitzwilliam’s objects.

The Fitzwilliam gave Living Object glowing reviews for their work: ‘We really cannot recommend Living Object highly enough. Philip, Seun and their team were a dream to work with: they immediately understood the brief, were full of inspirational ideas and brought energy, professionalism, care and creative insights into every step of the production process. The end product is visually stunning, thank you!’