David Livingstone Birthplace reopens to the public

David Livingstone Birthplace in Blantyre has reopened its doors after four years, following a £9.1m regeneration project!

Article Source: David Livingstone Birthplace
Last Updated: 28 July 2021 10:50

The project was made possible by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Scottish Government, Historic Environment Scotland and South Lanarkshire Council.

Home to the UK’s most famous Victorian explorer, missionary and abolitionist of the 19th century, the David Livingstone Birthplace Museum has been redesigned to follow Livingstone’s life from birth to death alongside new exhibits that focus on the 21st century legacy of Livingstone within the context of Scotland’s role in slavery and colonisation.

Through key objects in the collection and interactives, the stories of the African men and women in Livingstone’s crew will be featured for the first time as part of the Museum’s new exhibition. The display aims to highlight marginalised histories relating to Livingstone’s story and present the interconnected role of Livingstone’s crew in the success of his explorations, the return of his body after his death and his ongoing legacy.

The new interpretation will reflect current scholarship on Livingstone as well as the extensive written testimony left in his journals, to dispel the long-standing hero image of Livingstone as a lone explorer, a perspective that was furthered by biographers after his death.

Grant MacKenzie, Director of David Livingstone Birthplace said: “Our doors have been closed for four years and we are thrilled to welcome back visitors. We hope that through the transformation of David Livingstone Birthplace, visitors will come away with a new understanding of his achievements, his failures, and the opportunity that his story holds to encourage a deeper understanding of marginalised histories and Scotlands's role in slavery and colonisation.”

The Museum will feature a dedicated new display to Livingstone’s leading crew members from Southern Africa, Abdullah Susi who was from today’s Mozambique and James Chuma, from today’s Malawi. Also presented will be the diary of Jacob Wainwright, born near Lake Nyasa in East Africa, the youthful and highly literate crew member who played a prominent role in Livingstone’s story and particularly his death, being instrumental in helping to transport Livingstone’s body and possessions back to the UK. Alongside these individual stories, the Museum will examine the wider roles and responsibilities of Livingstone’s extensive crew in his many missions.

A key feature is the Legacy room in the exhibition, which presents the impact Livingstone continues to have on the Sub-Saharan countries that he visited in his lifetime. A series of talking head interviews with individuals from Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi and Scotland, created in partnership with Scotland Malawi Partnership (SMP) is featured.

Another highlight will be the newly restored Pilkington Jackson Tableaux. These eight unique polychromatic plaster sculptures depict scenes from David Livingstone’s life and journeys in Southern and Central Africa.The work was created by prominent 20th Century British sculptor Charles d’Orville Pilkington Jackson in the 1920s. The pieces were commissioned in 1927 after the Executive Committee of the Scottish National Memorial to David Livingstone was established to honour his memory as well as secure the site of his birth in Blantyre.

Tales from the Tableaux is a new exhibit that will feature alongside these conserved sculptures. Working with Zimbabwean author and Livingstone scholar, Petina Gappah and Mallard Productions in Glasgow, a series of new animations bring the Tableaux to life. While the sculptures draw on imagery typical to the era in which they were created and perpetuate the myth of Livingstone as a lone explorer, the animations now bring hidden histories to the fore. Among those brought to life by the animation are Motshipi, one of the wives of Chief Sechele I of the BaKwena, Mary Livingstone, Paulo Molehane, James Chuma and Mjakazi. The animations were commissioned to complement the wider exhibition, highlighting the contribution of the men and women that aided Livingstone’s expeditions as well as allowing those affected by the activities of the missionaries, the East African Slave Trade and European colonisation to share their stories.

To find out more about the David Livingstone Birthplace visit www.david-livingstone-birthplace.org

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Renfrewshire News

New active play facility to be created in Lagoon Leisure Centre in Paisley

Renfrewshire will have a brand-new active play for all ages in the heart of the town after a contract was awarded to create the new facility in the Lagoon Leisure Centre.

Renfrewshire tourist spot set to benefit from investment

A popular tourist spot in Renfrewshire is set to benefit as more than £700,000 is invested in a new cycle hub, information kiosk, public toilets and landscaping improvements.

Find a festive backdrop in Glasgow and the West

From frosty gardens to cosy tearooms, National Trust for Scotland places in Glasgow and the West are offering a host of winter experiences and special events this festive season.

The Wizard Wae The Big Bawz: New adult panto brings comedy to Scotland in January

January needn't be a drag as Scotland's brand-new adult panto, The Wizard Wae The Big Bawz, hits the road, arriving just when the country needs a burst of joy!

Renfrewshire towns to light up for Christmas

Towns across Renfrewshire will officially mark the start of the festive season as the Christmas lights are due to be switched on over the coming weeks.

Thousands turn out for the annual Paisley Christmas Lights Switch On event

Crowds headed to Paisley town centre to mark the beginning of the festive season at the town's annual Christmas Lights Switch-On event.

Can you give a pair of PJs this Christmas

Fresh new pyjamas are a Christmas essential, and Renfrewshire’s Provost Lorraine Cameron is looking for your help to make sure every child feels cosy and warm this Christmas.

The Doddie Weir match ball delivery is voted Greatest Murrayfield Moment

Doddie Weir’s emotional match ball delivery at Murrayfield in 2017 has been voted the greatest moment in the stadium’s 100-year history, after thousands of fans took part in a nationwide poll.

More free parking in Paisley town centre for festive period

Free parking is being extended during December in Paisley town centre council car parks.

Travelling Gallery transported Paisley visitors to Another Realm

Children in Paisley were transported to Another Realm as they were challenged to think creatively about the impact of the climate crisis.

Much loved classic Scottish play, The Steamie, is set to return to venues in 2026

The Steamie has been scrubbed up ahead of making a return to theatres across the country next year as part of an exciting new chapter in its long-standing story in the theatre landscape.

Medea to tour Scotland in 2026

Bard in the Botanics will be launching their 25th Anniversary year with a Scotland-wide tour of their award-winning version of Medea, by Kathy McKean (after Euripides).

Imagine Theatre prepares for an exciting season of pantomimes across Scotland

Imagine Theatre proudly presents a spectacular lineup of family pantomimes across Scotland bursting with laughter, music, sparkle, and dance starring some of Scotland's best-loved entertainers!

Renfrewshire falls silent to pay respect to the Armed Forces

Renfrewshire has paid tribute to the Armed Forces as residents attended services across the area to mark Remembrance Sunday.

Step into the magic at Dobbies Garden Centres

Dobbies Garden Centres has a fantastic line up of Santa’s Grotto and Quiet Grotto experiences, with an exciting North Pole adventure inspired theme, running from 23rd November - 24th December.

Scottish Ensemble announce projects for Spring and Summer 2026

Scottish Ensemble, a pioneering collective of musicians championing music for strings, announces its series of events for Spring/Summer 2026.

It is beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Paisley

Paisley will welcome the festive season in style this weekend at the town's Christmas Lights Switch-On event which returns to a Saturday for the first time since 2019!

Aldi Scotland is turning up the Christmas cheer with its first ever festive Supermarket Sweep

Aldi Scotland is giving one lucky customer the chance to take part in a seasonal edition of its popular shopping challenge, all while raising vital funds for Children's Hospices Across Scotland.

Hidden treasures of Murrayfield

Murrayfield heritage lead Laura Tinch reveals hidden collection of 5,000 artefacts charting a century of Scottish rugby history.

Santa clocks in early: Scotland shift heroes among 30,000 invited to claim free festive meal

Greene King pubs is raising the spirits of Scotland's hardest workers this festive season, hosting 'The Big Christmas Shift' across 700 pubs nationwide, giving away 30,000 meals on Monday 1st December

Festive days out to make the most of the season

From wreath-making workshops through to New Year’s Eve street parties, here's a rounded up some of the best events to help make the most of the season with loved ones in a fun and creative way.

SAY Award winner announced as Kai Reesu

Kai Reesu’s ‘KOMPROMAT vol.i’ was tonight announced as winner of The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award, as the country’s national music prize Ceremony took place in Dundee’s Caird Hall.

Public vote opens for Scottish Jazz Awards 2025 as scene flourishes

A stellar lineup of nominees has been announced for the Scottish Jazz Awards 2025, showcasing the exceptional talent flourishing across Scotland's vibrant jazz scene.

Heroes call on Scottish rugby fans to vote for the greatest Murrayfield rugby moment

SCOTTISH rugby fans have been called upon to cast their vote for the greatest ever Murrayfield rugby moment as part of celebrations marking the national stadium’s centenary.

The Christmas tradition of the year is back...

Scotland's biggest Christmas drive-in returns: 11 days of Elf, Home Alone & more at Loch Lomond Shores!

First Bus gives Remembrance free travel for all Armed Forces, veterans and cadets

First Bus is offering free travel for all veterans and UK Armed Forces personnel travelling to Remembrance Day activities of Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day.

Scotland Meats Germany

Scotland's favourite beer, Tennent's Lager, has unveiled the world's first ever Square Wurst - a Scottish classic with a German twist - to mark the launch of Tennent's Bavarian Pilsner.

Scottish Ensemble brings warmth to wintry nights with Concerts by Candlelight tour

Concert by Candlelight, Scottish Ensemble's celebrated long-running winter tour, returns for eight awe-inspiring performances in intimate settings around Scotland this December.

Feel the festive cheer at Dobbies Charity Christmas Shopping Night

Dobbies is encouraging customers to come along to their nearest store and to be the first to shop exclusive Black Friday offers at its late-night shopping event, in aid of Alzheimer's Research UK.

Autumn Offers at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection

Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched new offerings designed to inspire cosy autumn getaways and early festive escapes across Scotland.

Popular Listings

Beacon Arts Centre Braehead Arena Johnstone Town Hall Old Swan Inn Paisley Paisley Abbey Paisley Arts Centre Paisley Town Hall Robertson Park Renfrew The Bungalow Paisley Venue Paisley

David Livingstone Birthplace reopens to the public

David Livingstone Birthplace in Blantyre has reopened its doors after four years, following a £9.1m regeneration project!

Sponsored Links

Latest Renfrewshire News

Sponsored Links

Sponsored Links

Popular Events

Popular Listings