This year the Black Chiswick through History project at Chiswick House & Gardens celebrates the lives of some of the men, women and children of African heritage associated with Chiswick House and estate in the 18th century. We have focused on three individuals who are currently those best represented in our collection and archives – Joseph Casar, Lady Burlington’s footman & messenger – James (or Jim) Cumberlidge, who rose from pageboy to publisher – and Jean Baptiste Gilbert, the infamous Duchess Georgiana’s hairdresser. Each of these men spent several years in the households of the Burlington and Devonshire families, across their many properties in England and Ireland, though not at the same time.

Joseph, James and Jean Baptiste were well educated, highly skilled, respected and trusted members of these households who had a significant impact on both the lives of the other, better represented, residents of Chiswick House and the estate. They would all have witnessed the family dramas (which were numerous), and interacted with the Movers & Shakers of the time – poets, writers, actors, musicians – aristocrats, politicians, not to mention royalty – all whilst navigating the complexities of life in 18th century Britain for men of colour.

A mention of Joseph Casar in the St Nicholas Parish record, 27th July 1725

African lives at Chiswick

Year 10 students at Chiswick School have produced biographies for Joseph, James and Jean Baptiste, recognising them all as inspirational figures in the history of the House & Gardens. They have also created a multi-layered timeline to reflect how our local history is shaped by national and global events. The first layer documents the known events in the lives of the three men; the second explores the Burlington and Devonshire families and the evolution of the Chiswick Estate, whilst the third and fourth layers provide a broader national and global context – marking events that are relevant to the stories of these three African men.

If the embed above is not working for you, please view the timeline here.

African voices at Chiswick

Reflecting on Joseph, James and Jean Baptiste’s histories, young people from Hogarth Community & Youth Centre participated in a series of creative workshops facilitated by Poetic Unity. Through discussion and games, our young collaborators reflected on the questions these men’s stories raised for them, how they made them feel, and why they are relevant today. Drawing inspiration from their responses, Poetic Unity have created spoken word poems for the audio guide in the Upper Link, that celebrate and honour the lives of Joseph Casar and Jim Cumberlidge.

A doll for Lady Dorothy, the granddaughter of Lady Burlington. Record of James Cumberlidge’s expenses and wages, paid to himself in 1755.

Ancestral strands

Immersing themselves in the story of the Duchess Georgiana’s hairdresser, Jean Baptiste Gilbert, members of Hounslow Action for Youth and Start Easy alongside artist Jaixia Blue have produced an emotive artwork that explores how hair reflects our personal and cultural identity whilst paying homage to Jean Baptiste’s fusion of African and European styles. Using techniques like weaving and plaiting, young people have created individual hair and textile artworks from wool, synthetic hair, wire, beads and ribbons. These have been combined by Jaixia to create an expressive sculptural piece that celebrates and honours Gilbert’s life and contributions.

This year’s Black Chiswick through History project explores hairdresser Jean Baptiste’s fusion of African and European styles