READING will be displaying an acclaimed portrait of a black civil rights pioneer who had a profound impact on the town.
As of today (October 20), Reading Museum, in partnership with the National Portrait Gallery, has announced that the portrait of Paul Robeson, civil rights pioneer, actor and musical virtuoso, will be on display in the town this month as part of Black History Month.
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It is also part of a major project developed by London's National Portrait Gallery.
The 'Coming Home' project sees portraits of iconic individuals from the national collection travelling to places associated with their subjects.
This year marks 60 years since Paul Robeson sang to a large and enthralled audience at Reading Town Hall - a legendary event in Reading's history of embracing its cultural diversity, arranged by the Reading and District Association for Peace.
The bromide photographic print portrait by Neil Libbert shows Robeson in 1958, the year in which his political activism had forced him to leave the United States and live in exile in the UK.
Photo above shows Paul Robeson concert at Reading Town Hall, May 1960. ©copyright Reading Museum/Reading Borough Council All Rights Reserved.
The portrait will be on display to the public from today until Saturday, December 12.
It wil be available for viewing during opening hours (Tues-Fri 10-4, Sat 10-4) in the Museum's ground floor Story of Reading Gallery.
The Museum successfully reopened with a number of safety measures in place in September and it is now possible to book a visit at: www.readingmuseum.org.uk/welcome-back.
The display will also be available virtually on the museum's website.
Portrait unveiling Monday, October 19. Centre: Mayor of Reading, Councillor David Stevens joined by Cllr Karen Rowland, Reading's lead councillor for Heritage, Culture and Recreation; Right: Victor Koroma, Alliance for Cohesion and Racial Equality (ACRE). Left: Jeff Jones, Chairperson of Reading Caribbean Associations Group (CAG).
Cllr Karen Rowland, Reading's lead member of Heritage, Culture and Recreation, said: "I'm incredibly proud that we are able to bring this important portrait to Reading as part of our Black History Month celebration.
"Besides his incredible legacy in film and music, I believe that Mr Robeson’s message of racial equality, worker’s rights, empowerment and peace-making echoes through time and it has never been more important to reflect upon this.
"Mr Robeson’s landmark performance 60 years ago in our concert hall was a true manifestation of how Reading has always embraced its diversity.
"I congratulate everyone involved in securing the loan of this iconic portrait by working in partnership with the National Portrait Gallery to create an even more special Black History Month celebration here in Reading.
"I hope as many people as possible take the opportunity to visit the museum to see this wonderful portrait, reflect on our proud Black heritage and how Mr Robeson’s ideals can guide us today.
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"We’re delighted that the Museum is now open for booked visits at www.readingmuseum.org.uk/welcome-back.
"For those of you unable to visit in person, the display will also be available virtually on the museum’s website.”
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