NOBEL PEACE PRIZE EXHIBITION

The Luthuli Museum in Groutville is hosting a special 50 year Nobel Peace Prize Exhibition features photographs of Chief Albert Luthuli’s memorable trip to Oslo, Norway in December 1961 when he received the Nobel Peace Prize.

None of these photographs have been exhibited in public before and the exhibition will focus specifically on the time that Chief Albert Luthuli first received the news from his wife Nokukhanya and good friend EV Mahomed on October 23, 1961. Also featured is the ensuing controversy carried in the press both national and international, the journey to Norway and his triumphant return to Groutville.

The photographs and insight into the nomination process, as well as first time interviews with those Norwegians who met and looked after Chief Luthuli and Nokukhanya during his time in this foreign country were conducted by Luthuli Museum Research Officer Barbara Wahlberg.

“It is perhaps fitting that the Luthuli Museum’s special exhibition is due to be launched in December 2010 – the same month that Chief Albert Luthuli received the Nobel Peace Prize. It is also significant to note that Chief Albert Luthuli was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for the year 1960 but only received it officially a year later,” Luthuli Museum director Brian Xaba.

The exhibition forms part of a range of events and special publications that are to be produced and are already on display at the Luthuli Museum. All of which are designed to raise the profile of Africa’s first Nobel Peace Prize winner.

One of these is the In Conversation: Albert John Mvumbi Luthuli and Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela presented as a dialogue between these two giants of the liberation struggle. The exhibition explores and connects their lives and allows a glimpse into the conversations and legacy debates that surround them.

A special catalogue of some of these images and special edition coffee-table book capturing 50 memorable quotes from Chief Albert Luthuli are going to be produced by the Luthuli Museum next year.

Also on the cards for March 2011 is a high-level academic seminar themed; Reflections and Impressions on the Life and Legacy of Chief Albert Luthuli that will further broaden the public’s understanding and appreciation of the role played by Chief Albert Luthuli, one of the longest serving President Generals of the ANC and Africa’s first Nobel Peace Prize laureate.

“The Luthuli Museum is excited by the groundswell of awareness that is currently circulating in the country around one of South Africa’s iconic leaders Chief Albert Luthuli,” said Luthuli Museum director Brian Xaba, “and is happy to be part of the other significant events planned by the Chief Albert Luthuli Foundation and other organisations. At the same time, though, the Luthuli Museum is acutely aware of the significance of this historic award.”

The Luthuli Museum is situated at 3233 Nokukhanya Luthuli Street in Groutville. More information on 032 559 6822, fax 032 559 6806, email luthulimuseum@luthulimuseum.org.za or visit www.luthulimuseum.org.za