Page navigation

Illuminating Faith: Art and Culture form the Middle East


Personalities: Wilfred Frances Southall (1864-1950)

Wilfred Francis Southall was born in Birmingham in 1864. He studied pharmacy and became a member of the Pharmaceutical Society. He joined the family business of manufacturing chemists, later becoming a director, and directed Southall's (Birmingham) Limited until about 1950. He was well known in business, social and public life around Birmingham.

Southall was an elder of the Society of Friends also known as Quakers, and his work was closely identified with the Farm Street Friends' Hall for nearly 70 years. He was also involved in the Adult School Movement and the Temperance movement. He was well known as a lecturer on Palestine, its people and history. On his visits to Palestine from 1909 onwards, Southall collected many early twentieth century Palestinian costumes. On his return from his first visit and with the assistance of many volunteers, he gave an 'action lecture' entitled 'Scene and Song in Palestine', using a small collection of the costumes he brought back. This was followed by a series of lectures on presentation of the people, their habits and part of the New Testament story to large audiences throughout the Midlands. The lecture culminated in his own portrayal of "The Good Shepherd," when he carried a lamb in his arms.

The Good Shepherd

Many of these 'lectures' took place in Woodbrooke where the material was stored until it was donated to the Birmingham Museums & Art Gallery in 1985, and is located within the Textiles and Dress collection, part of the Museums' Designated Art Collections. It comprises over a hundred items including embroidered garments and accessories such as robes, cloaks, trousers, shawls, knee drums, boots and hats. There is also a printed and written archive including letters, leaflets, photographs and posters relating to the history and use of the Palestinian material once it had been brought back to Birmingham.

He was present at the memorial service of Alphonse Mingana in Dec. 1937, so the two men were acquainted. This collection is significant as it represents aspects of Palestinian dress and social history from a particular period, of which existing examples are rare. This project is the first opportunity to display a selection of this material.

Useful links

Exhibition and Events

Exhibition at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery
12 February - 02 October 2005

Displays included manuscripts from the University's Mingana Collection, textiles, ceramics and metalwork.

Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery
Chamberlain Square, Birmingham B3 3DH

Events from December 2004 - August 2005

Events included calligraphy, music, drama, talks and workshops for all ages.

More information

For more information about this project please contact:
Meline Nielsen m.nielsen@bham.ac.uk or Zelina Garland Zelina_Garland@birmingham.gov.uk