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Brookes...  The Brookes - visualising the transatlantic slave
trade  The appearance of the abolitionist poster the Brookes in
various museum displays and exhibitions in a multitude of forms
throughout the bicentenary has affirmed the prominent place this
eighteenth century image still possess over contemporary
society. For many the horror and inhumanity of the slave trade
is distilled with this image. It appears capable of evoking
great emotion amongst its viewers and has become alongside the
Wedgwood seal the most recognisable piece of the campaign
materials of the abolitionists. Like the Wedgwood seal its
appearance has also been contested this year. Its use has been
strongly criticised by some individuals and groups of African
heritage as providing a very limited view of the history of the
transatlantic slave trade, resistance and abolition (Hudson
2007). The Brookes as a symbol for the history and legacy of the
slave trade will be explored in th