Gordon of Khartoum

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Major General Charles George Gordon (1833-85) earned widespread acclaim in the nineteenth century for his military conquests in China and Sudan, crushing rebellions and subjugating local populations. His behavior was marked by instability and a fervent Christianity that clashed with his often brutal actions. Hailed as a hero after defending the city of Khartoum against all odds, his violent treatment of young men with whom he shared living quarters has since been heavily criticized. This portrait is part of Flux: Parian Unpacked, a daring installation by ceramic artist and curator Matt Smith, showcasing for the first time over 100 busts from the newly acquired Glynn collection of parian ware. By probing why museums and society honor some historical figures but not others, the exhibition challenges established notions of British history and colonialism. Text Copyright 2000-2018, The Fitzwilliam Museum, University of Cambridge, UK.