Blood & Fire: Our Journey Through Vanley Burke’s History

Thursday - Saturday from 1 June - 4 November 2023

Images taken by renowned photographer Vanley Burke join archival material from his personal collection, taking visitors on a journey through the artist’s history and the Black British experience.

 

As one of the UK’s leading Black artists of the commonwealth generation, this exhibition focuses on Vanley Burke’s journey to illustrate a wider, connected history of Black British experiences using the communities of Birmingham as a lens.

The artist has re-examined his personal collection after he lost a number of archival materials to a house fire. The fire served as a turning point for his art practice and this exhibition questions what it means to put these objects into a curatorial and historical context, gathering our past to pave the way for our future.

Information
  • Exhibition open Thursday – Saturday, 11am-4pm, until 4 Nov 2023.
  • Free entry. No booking required. Donations are welcomed. You can donate when you visit or online.
  • The exhibition is located in the visitor centre at Soho House.
  • Due to a problem with drainage in the cellar and basement areas of Soho House. The exhibition is open.

More Birmingham Listings MORE

Birmingham Friday 16 January

Magic Of Motown

Seen by millions, The Magic of Motown returns with all the soul, style and sparkle that’s made it…

Birmingham Thursday 29 – Saturday 31 January 2026

Please Do Not Touch

“They will tell you that legal and illegal are the same as right and wrong. And I’ve told…

Birmingham Wednesday 1 April – Saturday 18 April 2026

Small Island

Journey from the sun-drenched shores of Jamaica to the cold, grey streets of post-war London in Small Island,…

Birmingham Wednesday 10 June 2026

An Evening with Davóne Tines

An encounter with the spiritual across the centuries, this remarkable programme brings together the emotional intensity of Haydn,…

Birmingham Saturday 20 June 2026

UB40 – 2026 UK Tour

UB40 return to their home city for a triumphant headline performance at Resorts World Arena Birmingham, closing their…