Picture This

Black Britannia showcases 30 inspirational portraits of Black Britons by photographer John Ferguson, celebrating their contribution to British culture and public life over the last few decades.

Surgeons, teachers and fire-fighters feature alongside celebrities such as Lewis Hamilton, Frank Bruno, Charlie Williams and Ms Dynamite.

Each photograph demonstrates the individual’s strength of character and determination to succeed in their chosen field, establishing them as someone to look up to. A broad range of professions are represented and the portraits include comedian Gina Yashere, jockey Royston French, singer Estelle and firewoman Vicky Henry.

Black achiever’s from Liverpool are also represented in the exhibition. Including boxer John Conteh, who was the first British boxer to hold the World Light Heavyweight crown in 25 years, and Gloria Hyatt, founder of the country’s first independent school to cater for Black and racial minority pupils and Liverpool’s first Black headteacher.

Ferguson’s vision for his photography is to inspire Britain’s Black youth in a society where he believes the kinds of Black role-models people grow up with are almost entirely negative.
Ferguson said: “Growing up, I had my own heroes who helped me challenge prejudice in my own life - individuals like Charlie Williams, John Conteh, Joan Armatrading and Bill Morris all included here. This exhibition is my own attempt to give something to the next generation of young Black people.”

BacK: Entertainment