Catalogue Number
NMLH.2022.248
Object Name
Candle
People
Enoch Powell
John Somerville
Date
around 1979
Description
A candle made in the image of Enoch Powell, British politician best known for his racist and anti-immigrant beliefs, such as the 'Rivers of blood' speech in 1968. The candle was made by John Somerville, a Liverpool based sculptor who made candle art of prominent UK public and political figures. The candle is approximately 8 inches high and 3 inches across. Powell is depicted with a sour expression with his hands behind his back. The colour has come off of the wax at certain points, leaving it clear instead.
In this depiction, Powell is surrounded by golliwogs. Golliwogs are dolls created as racist caricatures of Black people that were popularised in books for (white) children in the early 20th century by authors such as Enid Blyton. Their design includes various stereotypes about Black people, inspired by the blackface designs white actors would use in 'Minstrel' shows to mock people of African descent. Golliwogs are still sold and collected today despite their racist origins.
