Tapestry of Black Britons arrives at Manchester Central Library as part of its expanding national tour, bringing a powerful and evolving exploration of African and Caribbean contributions to British history into one of the UK’s most important civic spaces.
Created by artist and cultural producer Paula Ogun Hector, this ambitious, large-scale artwork re-examines the national story—threading together narratives that span from Roman Britain and Tudor courts through to the present day. At its core, the project challenges the idea that British history is singular or fixed, instead presenting it as something layered, interconnected, and continually being shaped.
Blending traditional textile craftsmanship with contemporary digital design, the tapestry offers a distinctive way of engaging with the past. Woven panels sit alongside digitally developed elements, creating a visual language that reflects both heritage and modern identity. Each section is informed by historical research while also drawing on the lived experiences and creative responses of contributors from across the country.
A defining feature of the project is its collaborative approach. Artists, schools, and community groups have all played a role in shaping the work—adding detail through stitching, embellishment, and mixed media techniques. These contributions ensure that the tapestry is not only about history, but also about participation, ownership, and shared cultural expression. As a result, it continues to grow as a “living artwork”, evolving as new stories and perspectives are added.
The Manchester exhibition invites visitors to explore key themes including early African presence in Britain, migration and settlement, cultural exchange, resistance, and legacy. It also provides space to reflect on how histories have been recorded, whose voices have been prioritised, and how creative practice can help address gaps in understanding.
The exhibition comes at a time of renewed national interest in how Britain’s past is interpreted and presented. By placing these stories within a major public institution such as Manchester Central Library, *Tapestry of Black Britons* helps to situate them firmly within the mainstream of British cultural life—accessible to all and recognised as integral to the national narrative.
Alongside the exhibition, there is a strong educational focus. The project has already engaged hundreds of young people through workshops in art, history, and creative writing, encouraging participants to explore identity and heritage through creative expression. In Manchester, this work is expected to continue, with opportunities for schools and community groups to connect directly with the themes of the tapestry.
As the national tour continues through to 2028, *Tapestry of Black Britons* is establishing itself as a significant and enduring cultural initiative—one that brings together art, education, and community collaboration to tell a fuller, more inclusive story of Britain.
Visitors to the exhibition can expect not only to view the artwork, but to encounter a space of reflection, dialogue, and discovery—where history is not simply observed, but actively engaged with and reimagined.
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