The Only Exhibition to be presented in collaboration with The Royal House of Mandela
Opens February 2019 – 26 Leake Street
Trench Coat© Lily FRANEY/Gamma-Rapho/via Getty Images: Of particular importance to Mandela, this photograph shows him wearing his beige trench coat and walking with Joe Slovo after Slovo’s return to South Africa after a 12-year exile in London.
Major Global Museum Exhibition Tour debuts in London featuring many previously unseen artefacts in the centenary of Mandela’s birth.
Lawyer. Revolutionary. Political prisoner. World leader. Elder statesman. Symbol of the struggle against oppression. Nelson Mandela has been all these things to so many people across the world in the past 50 years. Five years after his passing, he continues to remain a human rights icon and to be seen globally as an advocate for change.
Now a major new exhibition, Nelson Mandela: The Official Exhibition, celebrating his life and legacy makes its World Premiere at 26 Leake Street from February 8th 2019.
Nelson Mandela: The Official Exhibition
Nelson Mandela: The Official Exhibition is designed to educate, entertain and inspire using many personal belongings and objects never previously seen outside of South Africa. These items, including the suit worn for the opening of the South African parliament in 1996; a traditional head dress gifted to him by The King of Xhosa people, King Xolilzwe Sigcawu as he awarded Mandela the ancient tribal warrior honour of the Isithwalandwe Sesizwe, for the first time in two centuries; his presidential desk and chair and his much loved iconic beige trench coat, combine with immersive media presentations and scenic re-creations, to enable visitors to actively engage with and experience key moments in Nelson Mandela’s life.
Nelson Mandela: The Official Exhibition takes visitors on Mandela’s life journey
Nelson Mandela: The Official Exhibition reveals his epic story in a series of experiential zones. It takes visitors on Mandela’s life journey, from his little-known beginnings in rural Mvezo, Transkei, through decades of turbulent struggle against the apartheid regime, to his eventual vindication and final years as South Africa’s first black president, ‘Father of South Africa’, and a globally loved and respected figure.
Nelson Mandela’s grandson, Nkosi Zwelivelile Mandela says:
“The
Royal House of Mandela is delighted to endorse this exhibition honouring the
life and legacy of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela as it truly captures the spirit of
our global icon whose name has become synonymous with international solidarity,
justice and peace. It succeeds in quintessentially depicting the man and the
legend whose struggle and sacrifice has captivated the hearts and minds of
millions around the world. This exhibition is truly an inspiration and
an inspired effort; I believe that everyone who sees it will agree that
the legacy lives on and that the dream will never die.
London and the United Kingdom more broadly was home to many South African
exiles and activists in the anti-apartheid struggle. In the 1980s and ‘90s
Trafalgar Square and South Africa House was the scene of many a picket and
protest action and this news found its way to Mandela in his cell, either in
encoded messages, by word of mouth and in the latter years, via news clippings.
It was therefore no surprise that Madiba chose London as one of the first
cities outside Africa to visit as a free man after his 27-year incarceration. I
can say without the slightest doubt that Madiba would have given his stamp of
approval to staging this exhibition in London.”
Lizzy Moriarty, Exhibition Advisor to Nelson Mandela: The Official Exhibition said:
“Many of the objects in the exhibition come from his house and have never been catalogued or curated before. They accompanied him through his life and through them, we can speak of his extraordinary life and his contribution to reconciliation. It will be like wandering through his life with him guiding you and asking you what you would have done in the same situation.”
What makes this exhibition so unique?
Nelson Mandela’s story has been told many times before, not least of all by the man himself in his own words. So, what makes Nelson Mandela: The Official Exhibition different? The exhibition features unique insights from across the spectrum – from close family, friends and others who admired him from afar. Personal artefacts and other material also reveal the deeper stories behind the headlines and bring us closer to the man behind the myth.
Steven Swaby, Narrative Producer concludes:
“This unique exhibition goes beyond the well-known ‘Mandela myth’ and reveals the inner stories of a remarkable life lived with remarkable courage, conviction and compassion. It asks us to consider the meaning of Mandela in the here-and-now and explores the complexities of his legacy in a world where inequality and injustice are still a daily fact of life.”
Suit © Foto24/Gallo Images/Getty Images: Nelson Mandela once said, “If you want to preach a revolutionary message, wear a suit.” This three-piece suit was worn for the opening of the South African Parliament in Cape Town on 09 February 1996. Photographs show him standing in front of parliament with notable leaders Cyril Ramaphosa, Zanele Mbeki, Thabo Mbeki, Frene Ginwala and FW De Klerk. That was the year the South African Constitution was adopted. At the time South Africa was governed by a Government of National Unity (GNU) under the leadership of the ANC. The GNU was established and headed by Nelson Mandela as president and FW De Klerk as his deputy president.
Nelson Mandela: The Official Exhibition honours the 100th year of his birth and to the 5th year of his passing
Mounted in collaboration with the Royal House of Mandela and the Mvezo Development Trust, Nelson Mandela: The Official Exhibition is presented in celebration of the 100th year of his birth and to honour the 5th year of his passing. Further global dates are to be announced as part of a world-wide tour before the exhibition is permanently mounted in Mvezo, Mandela’s birthplace.
The exhibition appreciates the support and involvement of several South African Heritage Partners including institutions and individuals who are contributing to the exhibition content. These Heritage Partners include: The Robben Island Museum, The Liliesleaf Heritage Site, Mqhekezweni – The Great Place, Christo Brand and Zelda la Grange
LISTINGS INFORMATION:
Friday February 8th – Sunday 2nd June 2019
26 Leake Street | South Bank | London | SE1 7NN (nearest Tube Waterloo)
www.ticketmaster.co.uk | Dedicated Booking Line: 0844 453 9094.
Cost: approx. £15 each
Review to follow…