The Nobel Peace Center in Oslo, Norway, is pleased to announce the arrival of its inspirational exhibition entitled Strengths and Convictions – The life and times of the South African Nobel Peace laureates Albert Luthuli, Desmond Tutu, FW de Klerk and Nelson Mandela to be shown at London’s South African High Commission. The exhibition forms part of this year’s gift from the City of Oslo to the City of London, alongside the Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree.
Hosted at the South African High Commission in Trafalgar Square from 3rd December 2010 to 2nd January 2011, the general public will get to see an exhibition of unique photographs of four extraordinary men and seven short documentary films on the significant political events in South Africa.
Strengths and Convictions uses South Africa’s turbulent history and heterogeneous culture as a background to the ordinary yet extraordinary lives of the four South African laureates. It depicts how the lives of these four remarkable men converge and divide as South Africa’s history unfolds and they chose to find a political resolution for their country.
Strengths and Convictions weaves together a collection of portrait photographs and seven short documentary films, with a timeline of 100 years of South African history, providing insight into the circumstances that motivated the laureates to act for peace, democracy and societal change.
“The Nobel Peace Center aims to inspire people through the powerful message of reconciliation and add new perspectives to the remarkable stories of the South African Peace Prize laureates”, says Bente Erichsen, the Director of the Nobel Peace Center.
“The 63-year-old tradition of bringing a Christmas tree from Oslo to London started as a gesture of gratitude for Britan’s help and support during WWII. This year we are proud to also bring you the powerful story of the South African struggle for democracy and freedom through an exhibition that will move and inspire the visitors”, says Stian Berger Røsland, Governing Mayor of Oslo.
“It is with immense pride that the South African High Commission hosts this important exhibition. Not only does it celebrate the achievements of South Africa’s four Nobel Peace Prize winners, but it will enable the public to experience the journeys of these four remarkable men through South Africa’s tumultuous history, towards peace, reconciliation and a united democratic South Africa”, says H.E. Dr Zola Skweyiya, High Commissioner of South Africa.
3rd December 2010 to 2nd January 2011
South African High Commission
Trafalgar Square
London, WC2N 5DP
Closed: 16th, 27th and 28th December
Opening hours: Weekdays: 10.00am – 5.00pm, Weekends: 10.00am – 4.00pm
Admission: Free
