Tapestry of Black Britons

In May 2025 Arnolfini host the Tapestry of Black Britons, a multi-participant evolving artwork touring the UK, curated by founder and creative director Paula Ogun Hector and woven by Bristol-based textile company Dash + Miller.

The Tapestry of Black Britons aims to elevate Black British History, contributing to and amplifying an inclusive historical narrative that serves as a platform for community remembrance, whilst building awareness that Black British history is British history.

This woven artwork explores the African and Caribbean contribution to Britain from the Romans onwards, echoing the Bayeux Tapestry and incorporating Kente cloth weaving and Caribbean textiles. Individual woven panels will be uniquely created in the style of an artist, featuring portraits, seminal historical moments, protest, joy, African deities and diasporic poetic imagery. This work addresses gaps in British history, drawing attention to over 1,500 years of Black presence.

For its opening stage at Arnolfini, the panels on display will be devoted to World War Two service people, marking the 80th anniversary of VE Day. This living artwork, inspired by artists and critical thinkers Barbara Walker, Sonia Boyce, Claudette Johnson and Yvadney Davis will feature several Black British, Caribbean and African service people – shining a spotlight on an often-overlooked contribution to the war effort.

The soundscape, articulating the scope of Tapestry of Black Britons, will be designed by Gary Stewart an interdisciplinary artist who for over 30 years has been interrogating social and political issues of identity, culture and technology. Working at the intersection of sound, moving image and computational creativity his practice operates through a range of theoretical, fictional, and artistic frames that traverses media art, experimental music, and research.

“Altogether, over three and half million Black and Asian service personnel helped to win the fight for freedom but despite the courage and bravery they showed in volunteering to fight, once the war was over, they found that old suspicions returned…To all the men and women from the West Indies, Africa and the Indian subcontinent, who volunteered to fight in the first and second world wars, we owe a debt of gratitude and respect.” Broadcaster Sir Trevor McDonald, The Forgotten Volunteers, BBC Radio 2.

Adwoa Botchey and Solomon Adebiyi, the creative couple behind Adeche Atelier create art inspired by African mythology, folklore, and culture. They hope to encourage others to delve deeper into African mythology and as storytellers, they strive to keep these tales alive for future generations. Commissioned to create a Yoruba Creation Story, their artwork will be woven into a new tapestry on display.  

As this interdisciplinary project develops and travels onwards the Tapestry of Black Britons will grow through contributions from artists, poets, universities, academics, schools, the heritage sector and communities across Britain and the diaspora, creating space for the diasporic imagination whilst showcasing the latest in digital design.

The Tapestry of Black Britons believes in the power of storytelling to uplift and transform communities, striving to foster a deeper understanding of our collective history.

“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. Representing as it does the rich tapestry of African diaspora contributions to the cultural political and socio-economic life of Britain which are now woven into the very fabric of this nation.” The Right Hon Lord Paul Boateng  CVO Chancellor University of Greenwich and  Co-Chair Grenfell Tower Memorial Commission