British Imperialism and its Legacies: Enduring Legacies of Empire

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Glasgow Museums holds objects that speak to the ways the British Empire still shapes our society. These include objects from the 1888 International Exhibition, which celebrated Scotland’s involvement in the British Empire, as well as objects that illustrate how racism persists as a legacy of Empire. The history of Glasgow Museums is inextricably tied to the history of the British Empire, and so in many ways, much of the collection provides testament to its legacy.

The British Empire and transatlantic slavery were violent, exploitative and oppressive systems that still impact millions of people around the world; shaping societies, economies, inequalities, nations and our relationships with one another. The legacies of these systems can be felt and seen everywhere. They were integral to the development of Glasgow and its museums. The iconography of Empire can be seen across the city, on its buildings, statues and street names.

Glasgow Museums cares for objects that tell stories of settler colonialism, racism, segregation and resistance to colonialism and racism. But there will be many other objects that can testify to different legacies of slavery and empire.

Help us broaden the story we tell. What objects do you feel are missing? What should we focus on collecting in the future? Get in touch to share your thoughts

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Broader term

British Imperialism and its Legacies

Narrower term

British Imperialism and its Legacies: Displays of Empire

British Imperialism and its Legacies: The British Empire’s Racist Legacy