University-supported national tapestry initiative that celebrates the history of Black Britons

Tapestry of Black Britons was part of The Legacy Centre of Excellence exciting line-up that launched Black History Month 2025 on Saturday 27 September.

Tapestry of Black Britons is a nationwide touring craft project, moving from place to place across the UK to create a six-metre woven artwork exploring the African Caribbean contribution to Britain from Romans onward. The artwork echoes the techniques and craft of both the Bayeux Tapestry and Akan woven technique and addresses gaps in public awareness of over 1,500 years of Black British history.

At each point of the tour, local communities workshop the design, subject and format of the panel representing Black British heritage for their city or region; as such, the Tapestry grows with each new exhibition to genuinely reflect an inclusive, collective, and frequently under-represented, history.

Prior to coming to Birmingham, the Tapestry of Black Britons was displayed at the Arnolfini in Bristol with panels telling the stories of Black Britons in the Second World War alongside the creation stories of the Yoruba People of West Africa.

Through Culture Forward, the University enabled local community members and students to come together for a workshop hosted at the Ikon Gallery to explore ideas for the Birmingham panel, its subject matter and design.

Alongside the Tapestry of Black Britons exhibition, the Black History Month launch at the Legacy Centre of Excellence also featured a performance and workshop by Birmingham 2020-2022 Poet Laureate Casey Bailey, sponsored by National Literacy Trust Birmingham; and a crafting workshop led by award-winning Birmingham City University artist-in-residence Mahawa Keita and textile artist Rehana Adams-Bell. On Friday 3 October there will be a jewellery workshop hosted by activist and gold artist Norma Banton.

Paula Ogun Hector, Tapestry of Black Britons CIC Creative Director, has said of the project: “Tapestry of Black Britons is designed to foster a deeper understanding of our collective past and present. The World War II design honours the Black contribution, marking this year’s 80th anniversary of VE and VJ Day; while the Yoruba creation story connects us all to powerful mythology. This evolving artwork not only celebrates the African diaspora contributions to British culture, politics, and society.”

This exhibition was made possible thanks to the John Feeny Charitable Trust and public funding from the National Lottery through Arts Council England.

Following Bristol and Birmingham, the Tapestry of Black Britons will continue to tour a variety of exhibition venues around Britain to celebrate individuals, commemorate the past, and unite communities in honouring our shared history.