One of the world’s oldest surviving music manuscripts depicting voices of enslaved people on the sugar plantations of Barbados is set to go on display at Gloucester Cathedral. It will be part of a new exhibition that will also showcase international artists and local quilt makers, and will run from 6th - 30th September.

Canon Rebecca Lloyd, Gloucester Cathedral’s director of participation, said the works "celebrate the rich tapestry of Gloucester's diverse people and stories".

The manuscript is usually housed at Gloucestershire Archives and is a UNESCO World Heritage document.

It has inspired new art from Gloucester-based artist Rider Shafique, of Bajan descent, and British-Jamaican photographer Vanley Burke, which will go on display in the Cathedral’s Lady Chapel. Their art will also delve into the impact of the transatlantic slave trade, from their perspectives as descendants of Caribbean enslaved people.

There will also be a day of free talks on the subject of slavery, reparations, archives and African music with opportunities to see the film about the slave song at the University of Gloucestershire on 14^th September, 10am to 7pm.  

 Further details to appear on Voices and Archives website later in August 2024.