I See You: A Reckoning - Photoshoot and Interviews

Through the development of this project, it became increasingly important to minimise and de-centre the images, lives and prominence of William Beckford and John Cass’ statues. Over time, we became more aware that the activities of both men and the dreadful consequences of their misdeeds, were not just individual wrongdoings. We realised that their actions needed to be understood in a wider context. So this meant placing them within a complex institutional system of financial activities in the City of London and, nationally, through organisations such as the Royal African Company.

This piece of work is to ensure that platforming the image, expertise and the historical perspectives of the African and Caribbean diaspora communities is prioritised. Particularly when and where it has been so absent in the recording of history at the City of London.

To address the lived experience of those, whose ancestors were affected by the activities of Beckford and Cass, we created a photoshoot. This was conducted with participants from local African and Caribbean diaspora communities we have worked with throughout the project. This was to provide alternative visual narratives to those that exist in regards to both statues and their related history. Below are a series of photographs and participant interviews exploring the space, its history and their narrative.

Interviews

Angela

Bert

Errol

Gloria

Lady-Marie

Rosie

Sam

Photography by Ofilaye, 2024