As we develop our T&D tour of the David Livingstone Birthplace Museum, we've been sharing snippets of our group members' interests and research into the exhibitions and stories held in the museum. Here is Iram's on Mary Livingstone and a display case of her objects.
Of all the objects in the display about Mary, her letter to her brother-in-law seems most significant. It's shown alongside 2 multi-lingual bibles, the wedding ring, a teacup and saucer, part of a stone of her first family home, and part of the almond tree - under which David proposed to her.
All the above belongings would/could be important to any woman whether educated or uneducated or from any status or background or country. She was a woman of skills and talents but this display doesn't give that feeling personally to me.
She was an educated linguist and an independent person who also had focus in her life to things that mattered, and played a very important part in the success of David's travels in Africa. But is it visible in the actions of David towards her and their children? It seemed she felt she was more accepted by the African society and culture than the Scottish society and culture at that time.
Why are not her books or her accomplishments saved and documented. Surely David would have kept something of significance of her with him that has not been exhibited? The letter seems the only belonging that speaks to this.
We will be delivering our full tour complete with lots more interesting research and ideas, to the public at the end of October at the museum.
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