Somerset House will reopen the Salt Stair in February after renovations, showcasing an exhibition entitled “Salt Cosmologies,” which focuses on the colonial tax system, especially its impact on India. This initiative highlights the intersection of art and history, celebrating 25 years of cultural transformation while confronting the site’s imperial past.
Somerset House is set to unveil the historically significant Salt Stair to the public in February, following renovations after a recent fire. This area will feature an exhibition focused on the Salt Office’s critical role in colonial taxation, particularly its implications in India. Cliff Lauson, the exhibitions director, describes the initiative as a way to reveal the intricate ties between the site’s history and national heritage through artistic exploration.
The Salt Stair restoration places it among Somerset House’s notable staircases, joining the Stamp Stair and the iconic Nelson Stair. Last August’s fire impacted part of the structure, yet the damage was limited, highlighting public affection for Somerset House. Visitors will commemorate 25 years since the site’s transition to a hub for artists and cultural organizations, thus confronting its imperial past.
The exhibition, “Salt Cosmologies,” curated by artists Himali Singh Soin and David Soin Tappeser, will turn the stairwell into a gallery featuring sound installations, while a related art piece will be installed in the courtyard, reflecting the complex history of salt production linked to British colonialism. The Salt Office, operational until 1798, oversaw extensive salt taxation, influencing economies in the colonies and serving vital needs in Britain.
The legacy of Somerset House includes its former role as a centre for the arts alongside its fiscal history, juxtaposing the creative and imperial aspects. As articulated by Jonathan Reekie, director of Somerset House, the restoration aims to solidify London’s identity as a creative capital, transforming former civil service offices into vibrant public spaces. Despite historical challenges, including damage suffered during the Blitz, Somerset House continues to adapt and thrive in contemporary culture.
The Salt Stair at Somerset House has long been a notable historical feature representing Britain’s imperial past, particularly its involvement in colonial taxation through the Salt Office. The upcoming exhibition aims to educate visitors on this significant yet controversial history, with a focus on the tax’s effects on India, where it catalysed notable civil disobedience led by figures like Mahatma Gandhi. Recently renovated, the stair will contribute to Somerset House’s role as a cultural centre, marking the intersection of art and historical discourse.
The unveiling of the restored Salt Stair at Somerset House signifies both a celebration of artistic exploration and a confrontation with historical injustices linked to colonial taxation. By hosting the “Salt Cosmologies” exhibition and celebrating 25 years of artistic engagement, Somerset House seeks to highlight the importance of understanding history in relation to contemporary culture, reinforcing London’s status as a creative hub.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com