‘Tapestry of Black Britons’ to go on display at Wells Cathedral for 80th anniversary Remembrance
A powerful new artwork honouring the wartime contributions of Black British, Caribbean and African service personnel is on display at Wells Cathedral
The four-metre-long piece, titled Tapestry of Black Britons, has been created by artist Paula Ogun Hector and woven by Bristol-based textile company Dash and Miller. Inspired by both the Bayeux Tapestry and traditional African weaving, the work aims to elevate Black British history and offer a more inclusive reflection of the nation’s shared past.
The tapestry forms part of the cathedral’s 80th anniversary Remembrance programme, marking eight decades since the end of the Second World War.
Speaking ahead of the exhibition, Ms Ogun Hector said the piece “spotlights inclusive British history, fostering a deeper understanding of our collective past and present.” She added “The World War II design honours the contribution of peoples of African descent to conflict. Out of many threads, we are one fabric.”
The exhibition has been supported by public funding from the National Lottery through Arts Council England.
Alongside the tapestry, Wells Cathedral will host a series of Remembrance events throughout November. These include the Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance, a Remembrance Sunday Eucharist Service, and a concert by Wells Cathedral Choir. There will also be an Act of Remembrance at the cathedral’s War Memorial, a talk on Emperor Haile Selassie’s time in Bath and Wells, and a creative workshop exploring the lives of the people depicted in the tapestry.
The Tapestry of Black Britons exhibition runs from today to Saturday 29th of November, with free entry during cathedral opening hours.