What is the problem?
Osborne House faces significant challenges in addressing its colonial legacy. The displays in the Durbar Room present a one-sided British perspective on the relationship with India, emphasizing India’s supposed loyalty to Queen Victoria without adequately addressing the complex history of colonialism
This portrayal fails to provide visitors with a comprehensive and balanced understanding of the historical context, perpetuating a narrative that glorifies the British Empire while overlooking the experiences and perspectives of colonized peoples.
Who cares about the problem?
This issue is of concern to various stakeholders, including historians, museum professionals, and members of communities with colonial histories. Researchers and heritage practitioners are increasingly recognizing the need to reinterpret country houses and their collections in light of their colonial connections
Additionally, visitors from diverse backgrounds, particularly those with ancestral ties to former colonies, may find the current presentation at Osborne House problematic and exclusionary. The broader public, seeking a more accurate and inclusive representation of history, also has a vested interest in how such heritage sites address their colonial past
What would you recommend going forward?
To address these issues at Osborne House, several recommendations can be made:
Conduct thorough research into the colonial context of the house and its collections, similar to the efforts undertaken by other institutions like the National Trust and Historic England
Develop new interpretive materials that provide a more balanced and nuanced perspective on the relationship between Britain and India during the colonial period, incorporating diverse voices and experiences
Engage with source communities and experts in colonial history to ensure accurate and respectful representation of non-British cultures and perspectives
Implement a comprehensive redisplay of the Durbar Room and other relevant spaces, incorporating multiple narratives and acknowledging the complexities of colonial history
Provide staff training on colonial history and its contemporary relevance to enhance their ability to engage visitors in meaningful discussions about the site’s legacy.
Create educational programs and resources that encourage critical thinking about the British Empire and its lasting impacts, fostering a more inclusive and reflective approach to heritage interpretation
References:Bressey, C., 2013. Contesting the political legacy of slavery in England’s country houses: a case study of Kenwood House and Osborne House. In: Dresser, M. and Hann, A., eds. Slavery and the British Country House. Swindon: English Heritage, pp.114-122.Dresser, M. and Hann, A. eds., 2013. Slavery and the British Country House. Swindon: English Heritage. Great North Museum: Hancock, 2023. Sensitive collections, repatriation and decolonisation. [online] Available at: https://greatnorthmuseum.org.uk/collections/sensitive-collections-and-repatriation [Accessed 24 November 2024].Museums Association, 2023. ‘We failed in our duty’ to look after objects, says Osborne. [online] Available at: https://www.museumsassociation.org/museums-journal/news/2023/11/we-failed-in-our-duty-to-look-after-objects-says-osborne/ [Accessed 24 November 2024].The Art Wanderer, 2021. The British Country House: Re-curating our Colonial Legacy. [online] Available at: https://theartwanderer.co.uk/british-country-house-re-curating-colonial-legacy/ [Accessed 24 November 2024].
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