Fighting for Freedom

Fighting for Freedom

From Curious Objects by The Magazine Antiques

April 23, 2025 · 45 min

About this episode

The episode discusses the exhibition 'Fighting for Freedom' and explores the history of enslaved craftspeople through a neoclassical table.

This episode brings two Curious Objects veterans and one first-timer back to the show to discuss the groundbreaking exhibition they've curated, Fighting for Freedom: Black Craftspeople and the Pursuit of Independence. Our object is a fine neoclassical table made in Norfolk, Virginia, in 1819, by a firm where enslaved cabinetmaker James worked. Ben and his guests explore some of the misconceptions around enslaved craftspeople, the complicated relationships they often had with their enslavers, and what this table can tell us about all of it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

People in this episode

Guests: Ben, First-Timer, Curious Objects Veterans

Topics covered

  • Black Craftspeople
  • Independence
  • Neoclassical Furniture
  • Enslaved Craftspeople

Keywords

  • exhibition
  • craftsmanship
  • history
  • Virginia

Mentioned in this episode

Products: neoclassical table

Books & works: Fighting for Freedom, Curious Objects, Fighting for Freedom: Black Craftspeople and the Pursuit of Independence

Places: Norfolk, Virginia

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