Exhibition
Marie Antoinette Style
Sponsored by Manolo Blahnik
Find out more
Black Joy Day - Marie Antoinette and the Afrocentric Wardrobe
Marie Antoinette’s image still shapes global culture, yet during her reign, Black elites in France and the Caribbean made vital contributions to the arts, military, politics, and more. Explore how their contributions intersected with her legacy.
We are joined by Sarah Grant, Lead Curator of the exhibition Marie Antoinette Style, for an informative presentation and dialogue, looking at the concepts, themes, diverse content, and design ideas, as a behind the scenes view prior to visiting the exhibition on the day.
Immerse yourself in Marie Antoinette’s lavish lifestyle through 250 objects including pieces on loan never before seen outside of Versailles and France. From sparkling jewellery, silk slippers, to pastel gowns, and an array of wigs, the exhibition also includes work by contemporary designers Dior, Moschino, Chanel, Erdem, Vivienne Westwood, Valentino, and Manolo Blahnik, that speaks to Marie Antoinette’s enduring aesthetic and legacy long after her death in 1793 as a result of the French Revolution.
Our guest speaker for the afternoon segment exploring the Black elite in France and the Caribbean is the celebrated historian and distinguished Research Professor of the Legacies and Memory of Slavery at SOAS, University of London, Olivette Otele FRHistS FLSW. https://shorturl.at/QznBY
Beverages will be available, and it is advisable that you bring a packed lunch.
Please note, that you will be walking and standing for extended periods of time in the exhibition – a limited number of museum chairs will be available on the day.
Beverages will be available, and it is advisable that you bring a packed lunch.
Please note, that you will be walking and standing for extended periods of time in the exhibition – a limited number of museum chairs will be available on the day.
joy is an act of resistance….Poet Toi Derricotte.
Black joy is a force. It lifts us through the hardest times and gives us the courage to speak with one voice. In its simplicity, it is radical—because choosing joy is an act of resistance and resilience. Through Black joy, we honour our history, our culture, and our community. We come together to share, to listen, and to support one another—especially in spaces that are perceived to not always feel welcoming. Black joy is not just a feeling. It's emotional well-being. It regenerates the soul.
Janet Browne, Senior Producer Africa and Diaspora.
A schedule of the day will be available shortly.
This event is in collaboration with the Black Gallery Visitor Network (UK).
Programme is subject to change without notice.
Programme is subject to change without notice.
