Tapestry of Black Britons: talk by Stephen Bourne
Join us for a presentation by historian Stephen Bourne on African Caribbean WW2 experiences followed by a Q&A.
The Tapestry of Black Britons exhibition features a series of tapestry panels highlighting the long presence of Black people in Britain. Among them is a panel created with the Royal School of Needlework that depicts local resident Esther Bruce, who served as a fire guard at Fulham Hospital during the Second World War. Another, designed by Adwoa Botchey and Solomon Adebiyi of Adeche Atelier, draws on African mythology to depict a Yoruba Creation Story.
Together, these works form part of an evolving project to create a six-metre tapestry charting Black history in Britain from the Roman era to today. Presented during Black History Month 2025, the exhibition also marks the 80th anniversary of VE Day.
About the speaker
Stephen Bourne is a historian who specialises in Black heritage and gay culture. His best-known book is Black Poppies – Britain’s Black Community and the Great War which was first published by The History Press in 2014 to coincide with the centenary of World War One. For Black Poppies, Stephen received the Southwark Arts Literature award. In October 2019 the Booker Prize winner Bernardine Evaristo voted Bourne her Black History Month hero. Bernardine said: ‘Stephen Bourne is a hero of our history, who has published countless books, always accessible to all, on the hidden stories of our presence on these shores. Let’s honour Stephen for quietly shining a light on our history.’
Event details:
- This is a free event, pre-booking is recommended.
- This event is suitable for all ages.
- This event is part of the Tapestry of Black Britons exhibition.
- This exhibition is part of Fulham Palace’s Black History 365 series.
