A Conversation with Paula Akpan
A conversation with historian and author of When We Ruled: The Rise and Fall of Twelve African Queens and Warriors. Akpan will discuss her research methods for preserving the historical archive. Taking place at Staffordshire St as part of the opening of Figures: A Black British Archive.
Image by Maëva Vitéla
Figures: A Black British Archive
Figures is an ongoing archival project that documents notable figures from Black British History pre-1948, which marked the arrival of HMP Windrush. These figures include entertainers, politicians, sportsmen, and regular, everyday people who made a difference in their community. Many of these figures existed in a time where cameras and film were rare, there is often limited visual documentation of them.
For this reason, ‘Figures’ uses colourful illustration and text to bring to life the stories of these forgotten figures.
Re-Imagined Folktales with Varaidzo
In this writing workshop led by novelist Varaidzo, re-imagine traditional folk tales from across the world to practice worldbuilding and create new stories. Whatever stage you are in your writing journey, this workshop will provide useful tools to carry with you on your writing process or use as practice when journaling.
Part of Festival of Community 2025.
Cyanotype Heritage Prints
A cyanotype printing workshop led by artist Bernice Mulenga, in which participants will create photographic prints that reflect their heritage or personal history, inspired by the folkloric elements of The Wicker Arms exhibition at Staffordshire St. Participants will be able to bring personal items, or use the objects provided, to create a cyanotype print to take home with them.
Part of Festival of Community 2025.