BRISTOL.- Arnolfini, Bristol's international centre for contemporary arts, hosts the thought-provoking exhibition Tapestry of Black Britons from 9 May to 29 June 2025. This multi-participant artwork, produced by Paula Ogun Hector and woven by Bristol based textile company Dash + Miller, aims to elevate Black British history and contribute to a more inclusive historical narrative.
The exhibition showcases a series of woven panels exploring the African and Caribbean contribution to Britain from Roman times to the present day. Drawing inspiration from the Bayeux Tapestry and incorporating elements of Ghanian Kente cloth weaving and Caribbean textiles, the artwork addresses gaps in British history by highlighting over 1,500 years of Black presence in the country.
For its opening stage at Arnolfini - with plans to tour elsewhere in the UK at a later stage - Tapestry of Black Britons initially focuses on World War II service people, marking the 80th anniversary of VE Day. This living artwork, inspired by artists such as Chris Ofili, Sonia Boyce, Bisa Butler, Zak Ové, Godfried Donkor, Yinka Shonibare, Vladimir Cybil Charlier and Yvadney Davis, shines a spotlight on the often overlooked contributions of Black British, Caribbean and African service personnel to the war effort.
The exhibition also features a new tapestry panel created by Adwoa Botchey and Solomon Adebiyi of Adeche Atelier. Their artwork, inspired by African mythology and folklore, depicts a Yoruba Creation Story, adding another layer to the exhibition, with an overarching soundscape created by Gary Stewart, an interdisciplinary artist with over 30 years of experience with sound, moving image and digital creativity.
As the project develops and travels across the UK, it will continue to grow through contributions from artists; embroiderers, poets including Grace Nichols FRSL and John Agard FRSL; University of Birmingham Culture Forward, University of Creative Arts, academics including Dr Rose Sinclair MBE, Professor Hakim Adi, Dr Onyeka Nubia and Professor Corinne Fowler; schools nationwide; Manchester Central Library, heritage organisations, Wells Cathedral and communities throughout Britain and the diaspora. This collaborative approach aims to create a space for diasporic imagination while showcasing the latest in digital design.
The Right Hon. Lord Paul Boateng C.V.O., Chancellor of the University of Greenwich and Co-Chair of the Grenfell Tower Memorial Commission, praised the project, saying, "This innovative and imaginative project, a modern interpretation of both the Bayeux and Akan woven commemorative traditions, will provide a valuable educational resource for generations to come."
Paula Ogun Hector, founder, creative director and curator of the project said: "The Tapestry of Black Britons exhibition at Arnolfini spotlights inclusive British history, fostering a deeper understanding of our collective past and present. The World War II design honours the Black contribution to conflict, marking this year's 80th anniversary of VE Day; while the Yoruba creation story connects us all to powerful mythology and marvellous storytelling. This evolving artwork not only celebrates the African diaspora contributions to British culture, politics and society from Romans onwards - it is designed to show: out of many threads - we are one fabric."
