Charles Duncan O'Neale: A Bajan Radical in Sunderland
Funded as part of Historic England's Community Research Grants for their National Blue Plaque Scheme. I spent time at archives in Durham, Tyne and Wear, Brixton and spoke to academics and contemporary Bajan politicians on the trail of Charles' life and legacy.
As one of Barbados National Heroes, Charles Duncan O'Neale is a significant figure in the country's history. His time in Sunderland is less well known but makes for a fascinating story.
Charles' medical career began at his practice at Sea Road in Fulwell, Sunderland. He became a celebrated member of the local community, where newspapers and archive documents talk regularly about his political and social life as an elected councillor, keen cricketer and bird-owner.
In researching the project and creating artwork for a blue plaque campaign brochure, I worked with young people at Autism Able and a 115 year old type-writer that was commonly used by doctors in Sunderland at the time.
