A new permanent artwork to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the baptism of Quobna Ottobah Cugoano at St James’s Church will be unveiled on 20 September 2023. Cugoano was one of the most prominent abolitionists of the time and a significant but largely forgotten figure in the history of Black Britain.
To mark the anniversary, Trinidad-based artist Che Lovelace was selected to create a commemorative work to be installed in the entrance of the church. Seen by all visitors to St James’s it will be the first permanent art commission to commemorate Cugoano’s life anywhere in the world.
Lovelace paints the intersecting lives of the people, flora and fauna of his native Trinidad. Infused with rich colours and bold shapes, his paintings straddle the boundary between magical realism, abstraction and the beauty of the natural world.
Tickets are free. Booking required.
Doors 6pm with the opportunity to view the newly launched artwork and buy a drink at the bar, talk from 7pm followed by Q&A.
Getting here
We are at 197 Piccadilly London W1J 9LL between Piccadilly and Jermyn Street, about 200 yards from Piccadilly Circus.
Access
St James’s aspires to be a place where all can belong, and where every person’s gifts and identities are welcome and celebrated. We are working to improve the experience at St James’s in the church building and the online community. We have step-free access from the courtyard to the church, and a toilet for disabled people. The courtyard and Redemption Roasters coffee shop are wheelchair accessible. If you have special access requirements (e.g. wheelchair users) please contact concerts@sjp.org.uk
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