Who is Nathaniel Wells?

Hidden Presence explores the extraordinary life of Nathaniel Wells, an 18th-19th century nobleman of mixed heritage, son of a wealthy Cardiff merchant & plantation owner and an enslaved woman.

The project will explore the history of his country seat, Piercefield House, Chepstow; the relationship between the sea ports of South Wales and the West Indies; and it will look at a range of issues linked to cultural heritage, identity, citizenship and what it means to be Welsh today.

Hidden Presence is a Ffotogallery project in partnership with Chepstow Museum and the University of the West of England. For more information and documentation please see http://hiddenpresencewales.tumblr.com/.

Slavery and Resistance

Embroidery Piece

by Eva Sajovic

Caesalpinia pulcherrima is a species of flowering plant in the pea family, Fabaceae, that is native to the tropics and subtropics of the Americas. It could be native to the West Indies,^[2] but its exact origin is unknown due to widespread cultivation. ^[1] Common names for this species include Poinciana,Peacock Flower, Red Bird of Paradise, Mexican Bird of Paradise, Dwarf Poinciana, Pride of Barbados, and flamboyant-de-jardin.

Four grams from the root is also said to induce abortion in the first trimester of pregnancy.

Slavery and Resistance

Embroidery Piece

Hidden Presence Project