Coffee, sugar and tea. We see them every day, from the breakfast table to going to bed. In the 18th century these goods were brought to Europe via the Dutch VOC and WIC. Behind the terms 'Coloniale waar' or 'Koloniale waren' ('colonial goods' or 'colonial wares') on shop facades, in images and prints, packaging and coffee cups, a system of labour and knowledge was hidden, which was deployed by force for economic gain. With fair trade, the sale of these goods from the Caribbean, South America, Indonesia and Asia is slowly shifting towards fairer trade.
Peggy Brandon is head of Presentation & Programme at the Nationaal Slavernijmuseum.
The night college series at the Hortus follows on from the exhibition Koffie? Een Nederlandse geschiedenis in keramiek, which can be seen at the Princessehof in Leeuwarden from 10 October 2026 through 29 August 2027.