Femininity and Colonialism in Advertising

Sold Out is a new exhibition in our Pop-Up Gallery, exploring the deeper historical narratives around health, beauty, gender and race embedded in Thackray’s extensive – and rarely seen – collection of medical advertisements.

In the 19th Century, adverts for popular, over-the-counter remedies dominated newspapers and billboards. More than simple promotions for products, through vivid imagery, these adverts sold the societal ideals of the time, reinforcing narrow expectations of gender and beauty. White women were portrayed as pure and devoted homemakers whilst people of colour, when they appeared at all, were depicted through harmful and reductive stereotypes.

By juxtaposing these past harms alongside more progressive modern examples, Sold Out invites you to reflect on what narratives continue to be perpetuated today, how far we have come and the significant work that remains to be done.

Type of event: Exhibition