People of Letters

2019
Ignatius  Sancho
© Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery, Exeter City Council

This exhibition was inspired by the correspondence between Laurence Sterne and Ignatius Sancho and recognises those who have initiated and consistently provided support to writers of colour.

There is another, well known portrait of Sancho painted by Gainsborough that currently resides in the National Gallery of Canada. We chose to use this portrait of Sancho as it is in a British collection. But it is important that we draw your attention to the fact that the attribution is contested.

We are sensitive to the fact that presenting hidden history is rarely easy and particularly keen to engage with historians, researchers, publishers, writers or activists with east Asian knowledge in this area. Please use our engage and support page for forms to assist us in ensuring our content is as accurate and inclusive as possible.