The Hidden Symbolism Behind David Harewood's Remarkable Unveiling in Leeds

2023-09-05 20:50:03

David Harewood says portrait stands for 'resilience of my people' after Leeds unveiling

Actor David Harewood has described his new portrait at Harewood House as a powerful example of his ancestor's resilience and the enduring legacy of descendants of enslaved people.

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Harewood's ancestors were enslaved on a Caribbean sugar plantation owned by the second Earl of Harewood, Henry Lascelles, in the 18th century.

He emphasized that the portrait represents the forced labor endured by enslaved people on the Harewood plantation, which contributed to the wealth and construction of the estate.

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"It stands as a fine example of the resilience of my people; that not only did we endure and survive, but we have also managed to thrive. The portrait is a sort of topping on that seal, that enduring legacy, that enduring strength shines through even today,"

The unveiling of the portrait was supported by David Lascelles, the eighth Earl of Harewood, and his wife, Diane Howse. They first met Harewood in a documentary in 2021 that explored their historical connections to the house and transatlantic slavery.

Harewood expressed the importance of positive and constructive engagement, stating, "I don't think anger and division gets us anywhere."

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Reflecting on his initial anger following the murder of George Floyd and the birth of the Black Lives Matter movement, Harewood explained that meeting Lascelles disarmed him and highlighted the earl's willingness to engage in difficult conversations.

"David's strength of character and the fact of his openness that he's been willing to engage with this very difficult conversation."

Lascelles emphasized the need for people who refuse to engage to feel uncomfortable with their decision and acknowledged the intersecting history of their families due to transatlantic slavery.

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The portrait exhibition will be open to the public from Friday until 22 October at Harewood House, which receives approximately 300,000 visitors annually.

The portrait, photographed by Ashley Karrell, is the second in a series. The first portrait features Arthur France MBE, the founder of the Leeds carnival.

Harewood acknowledged the difficulty in confronting the reality of the slave trade and plantation life, while Lascelles drew parallels between denialism and derision towards raising awareness about transatlantic slavery and climate change.

Harewood concluded by highlighting the global struggle between those seeking progress on various issues, including climate and race, and those resistant to change.

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