What can portraits tell us about black history?

Colour photograph of a circular wax portrait of a lady in a red dress with a black cloak and hat

Recently, the museum has had to the remarkable privilege of restoring, conserving, and researching some extraordinary wax portraits. No, we’re not talking about candles here. These are full-sized portrait busts from the 16th and 17th century, ornately decorated, gilded, and painted to showcase their sitters’ remarkable features.