Celebrating Excellence: The Black Artisans Photography Exhibition at Haworth Art Gallery

Following a successful presentation at National Festival of Making, The Black Artisans is delighted to announce that an expanded version of its travelling photography exhibition of the same name will be hosted by Haworth Art Gallery in Accrington.

Running from 20th September to 6th October 2024, this exhibition will showcase a selection of the finest Black British Artisans working in the UK today.

The exhibition presents a rare and diverse collection of talents across various artisan disciplines ranging from clay, metal, and wood, to ceramics and glass, featuring both traditional and cultural formats.

Curated by social documentary photographer Jo Sealy, "The Black Artisans" exhibition spotlights 36 exceptional artisans, demonstrating a breadth of skills rarely seen together. Each artist brings a unique perspective and technique, creating a vibrant tapestry of craftsmanship that celebrates the richness of Black British artisan heritage.

The Haworth Art Gallery, known as one of Lancashire’s finest Arts & Crafts houses, provides a fitting venue for this inspiring showcase.

Planned Events

Visitors to the exhibition will not only have the chance to view the photography showing the artisans at work, but can also meet some of the artisans at a selection of demonstration talks.  Pieces by the makers will also be on display as part of the exhibition.

Short films will be available to view, enabling visitors to delve into the artisans' personal journeys, exploring their routes into specific areas of making, their influences, and their challenges as a craftsperson.

Additionally, "Conversations in Creativity," a bookable event, will form part of the exhibition, brought to you in collaboration with Creative Lancashire. This event aims to foster dialogue and encourage creativity within the community. This free event is taking place on 25th September. Our host for the evening, Lucille Junkere, will be facilitating a panel discussion featuring Jo Sealy, Donald Baugh, Jason Stocks-Young and Vanley Burke.

Friday 20/09 - Black Artisans Private View 

• 6-8pm - BOOK HERE

Wednesday 25/09 - Conversations in Creativity

Jo Sealy (photographer), Donald Baugh (sculptor), Jason Stocks-Young (leatherworker) Vanley Burke (photographer), Lucille Junkere (host and visual artist)

• 6-8pm - BOOK HERE

Thursday 03/10 - Meet the Maker

Jahday Ford (glassblower) with Samantha De Simone (Haworth Art Gallery)

• Walking tour of exhibits & relaxed Talk/Q&A, 2-3.30pm - BOOK HERE

Sunday 06/10 - Black Artisans Workshop Demonstrations

Adaesi Ukairo (metalworker) & Judith Annakie-Eriksen (ceramicist) + relaxed Meet the Maker Q&A

• 12.30 - 3.30pm – Itinerary TBC - BOOK HERE

Jo Sealy shared her thoughts on the exhibition, 

"I am excited to be able to exhibit the full body of images so far in such a wonderful arts and crafts location, showcasing the magnificent artisans that form part of this growing network."

Ed Matthews-Gentle (Creative Lancashire) added, 

"This extended and expanded presentation of The Black Artisans augments our relationship established through our previous collaboration for National Festival of Making in Blackburn (July 2024). Black Artisans forms part of our curated programme of events and presentations for Black History Month (UK). It shines a light on the rich making heritage within our own diverse communities and connections to global cultures."

Gillian Berry (Haworth Art Gallery) states: 

“Black Artisans allows Haworth Art Gallery to represent high quality crafts through Jo Sealy’s photography to the wider craft network across the region and country. What is special to us though is that we can represent our diverse local community through professional craftspeople and artisans showing them that it is possible, whatever your background that you can be whoever you want to be.”

Exhibition Info

Title: The Black Artisans 

Venue: Haworth Art Gallery, Hollins Lane, Accrington, Lancashire, BB5 2JS 

Dates: Friday 20th September to Sunday 6th October 

Private View: 6-8pm Friday 20th September 

Exhibition Opening Times: 12-4pm -  Wednesday to Sunday

About the Organisers

The Black Artisans is a project by Jo Sealy, a social documentary photographer. The exhibition aims to make Black artisans more visible, enlightening and educating audiences about the contributions of these skilled craftsmen and women. It particularly seeks to inspire young people to consider these fields as potential careers or leisure interests.

The Haworth Art Gallery, located in Accrington, Lancashire, is celebrated for its Arts & Crafts architecture and its impressive Tiffany glass collection. The gallery hosts a variety of exhibitions and events, promoting cultural engagement within the community. Find out more on their Facebook Page.

Creative Lancashire is an initiative that supports the county's creative industries. It provides resources,  opportunities, networks and events to foster growth, collaboration, and innovation within the region's creative and cultural sectors. Creative Lancashire is a service provided by Lancashire County Council.