Thursday 11 September 2014

Black Chronicles II



John Xiniwe and Albert Jonas, London Stereoscopic Co., 1891, Getty Archives

this evening to Rivington Place for the opening of Black Chronicles II, the second part of The Missing Chapter curated by Autograph ABP through trawls in public and private archives.  And once again showing the Black presence in Britain was visible throughout  the later 19th century, chiefly via photographs.  Scope for further research:  the names of the lads posing with a camera indicate they were from Southern Africa and the other photos show them with the Africa Choir in London - but who set up this pose and for what purpose?

Alicamousa, probably 1880s, courtesy Michael Graham Stewart 

Alicamousa was the circus name of John Humphreys from St Vincent - some more information on him and other lion tamers on Jeff Green's inexhaustible website :  http://www.jeffreygreen.co.uk/084-black-animal-trainers-in-late-19th-century-britain

Family Group, 1870s, courtesy Paul Frecker

But who were these five?  Presumably living close enough to City Rd to pose in John Hart's studio.

For pdf details of Black Chronicles II , link:  
http://www.v2autograph-abp-shop.co.uk/files/Press%20releases/Black_Chronicles_II_Press_Release.pdf

the exhibition is dedicated to the memory of 
STUART HALL 


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