Explore Collections Explore The Collections
You are here: CollectionsOnline  /  A leg shackle
  • image M1196

A leg shackle

Iron

Museum number: M1196

Not on display

Curatorial note

The provenance of the group of shackles (M1185, M1194, M1195 and M1196) in Soane's collection is unknown. They must have been in the Museum by c.1834-35 because they are described in Soane's Description published in 1835 as 'implements of iron, to the honour of humanity no longer in use'. Entries in the manuscript inventories drafted before his death prove that he knew the shackles were associated with the enslavement of African people.

It is possible that the display of the shackles in the basement of Soane's Museum might also have been intended to evoke in the minds of contemporary visitors recollections of the shackles which hung above the main entrance to Newgate gaol, designed by his first architectural teacher, George Dance the younger.

Literature

Sir John Soane, Description, 1835, p.32

Associated items

M1196, another similar
M1195, another similar
M1194, another similar
M1185, another similar
M1184, another similar


Soane collections online is being continually updated. If you wish to find out more or if you have any further information about this object please contact us: worksofart@soane.org.uk