The Feminine side of Money

 Banknotes display an interesting window upon the financial world of a society. Most of us simply use a note without delving any deeper but here I took a visual meander around the world. 

 

 

Exploring the Female presence on Banknotes

In celebration of Womanhood during the month of March I chose to explore the female presence on banknotes in a library display.  Many stopped by to peruse the wide array which crossed continents, all were genuine, some in current circulation; others long since obsolete; all fascinating.

Lily explores women on Banknotes at a local library

 

Ira Aldridge Unveiled

Agent N unveils Ira Aldridge Plaque

 5 Hamlet Road, Upper Norwood, London SE19 2AP

I remembered when we went to the unveiling of the Ira Aldridge plaque. As I recall it was quite a chilly day, though not rainy, it certainly did not feel comfortable to stand around too long. After a short time a small crowd of invitees had gathered to observe another little piece of history in Upper Norwood, South East London. After the unveiling and a short walk later we toasted and munched to the great man.

Ignatius Sancho Unveiled

King Charles St, London SW1A 2AN

I remember going to the unveiling of the Ignatius Sancho plaque one winter evening. What's interesting was that the plaque must have been re-inked after the unveiling as it appeared much lighter in colour. The cold evening was brought to a close with a gathering in the FCO offices, a fine backdrop to the proceedings.

Equiano Unveiled

Olaudah Equiano's Plaque

I remember attending the unveiling of the plaque to Olaudah Equiano, which took place within the context of a service at St Margaret's Church, next door to Westminster Abbey.

 St Margaret's Church, Westminster

A Selection of Plaques

 Exploring African Heritage through commemorative Plaques

During Summer 2013, I went around London and explored my fascination for Commemorative plaques. Plaques always seem like nuggets of history which make me feel like I have found portals to a past world.

I was asked to create a display in celebration of Black History Month, so my pet project seemed so timely.

On a map of London, I created markers to where the plaques are placed. This is by no means the definitive list, but rather a simple selection of plaques.

Closer Look

A selection of plaques in more detail

Here are some more plaques in more detail which formed another side display.

Plaquehistoric

Jimi Hendrix, Rock Musician & Composer

Cetshwayo, King of the Zulus

Marcus Garvey, Pan Africanist Leader

Kwame Nkrumah, First President of Ghana

Ignatius Sancho, Writer & Merchant

Olaudah Equiano, the writer and activist

Elisabeth Welch, Singer

Leslie 'Hutch' Hutchinson, Singer & Pianist

Mary Seacole, Heroine of the Crimean War

Dr Harold Moody, Physician & Activist