These powerful images by Sir Harry Johnston provide a rare glimpse of everyday life in Barbados, Cuba, Haiti, Jamaica and Trinidad at the turn of the century.

Donated by Johnston’s family in 1933, the images reveal an unfamiliar scenes of daily life in these island communities, covering farming, religion and markets. They openly yet sensitively address issues around colonial attitudes to race.

Interpretative commentary by Jamaican colonial art historian Dr Petrine Archer-Straw accompany Johnston’s original captions, as well as observations from African Caribbean elders at two London social centres.

  Other details
Prints are made from original glass plate negatives. All framed and captioned.  Text panels provide background information, quotes and commentary.

  Education resources
Available on our ‘Unlocking the Archives’ website for Geography, History and Citizenship for Key Stage 3. Adaptable for informal education programmes.

  Size of exhibits and space required
Wall space needed ofof 80 -100 m. 69 prints come in a combination of two framed sizes:

• 5 prints approx. 56 x 46 cm 
• 64 prints approx. 30 x 36 cm