Lunchtime Lecture: The Picture of Francis Williams: The Man Behind the Portrait

As we celebrate Black History Month this October, this week's lecture asks: what can we learn of the life of Francis Williams, an 18th century scholar from Jamaica, who migrated to Britain as a young man? His entire life story is encapsulated in a simple portrait, which can be found in a quiet corner of our Museum. Join Avril Horsford as she examines this image, and uncovers how his strangely eventful life can be revealed as we look closely at every aspect of the portrait Francis Williams left behind.

Avril Horsford was born in the Caribbean, and migrated to Britain as a young child, where her family settled in Leicester. She was formerly a departmental head at the University of the Arts London, where she taught many subjects; but, beyond teaching, specific responsibilities included the delivery of institutional responses to equality, diversity, and heritage, as they impacted on students and staff.

Avril has been a contributor to the heritage and educational work of the V&A for many years, and is one of the Museum's African and Caribbean Heritage tour guides.

To see our full Autumn 2022 Lunchtime Lecture Programme, click 'Download Programme' on the right of this screen.