Join us as we take a step back in history and explore the lives of black artists through arts and literature.
Introducing Preston-based artist and Turner Prize winner Lubaina Himid CBE RA, the artist behind Hannibal’s Sister. Himid was born in 1954 in the Sultanate of Zanzibar, and became heavily involved in the UK Black Art movement throughout the 1980s. Himid’s work focuses on the reclamation of identities, interwoven with themes of cultural history and activism.
In 2010, Himid was awarded an MBE for services to black women’s art, and in 2017, she was awarded the Turner Prize. The following year, Himid was promoted to CBE for services to art. Currently, Lubaina is teaching at the University of Central Lancashire where she is a professor of contemporary art.
At The Harris, we are honoured to be in possession of one of Lubaina’s notable works – Hannibal’s Sister.
The image below shows the imagined sister of Hannibal, who was a daring military leader who defeated the Roman army in 218–219 BC. Hannibal is believed to have been of black Phoenician heritage. Himid, born in Zanzibar, presents us with an alternative black history in which Hannibal’s sister could also be a war hero.
Hannibal’s Sister by Lubaina Himid. Image copyright: Lubaina Himid
Books
Have you visited our library recently? We have a range of adult and children’s books ready for you to borrow, that explore the lives of black icons and characters, written by black authors. If you need a recommendation, ask one of our friendly librarians.
100 Great Black Britons - Patrick Vernon and Angelina Osborne
100 Great Black Britons - Patrick Vernon and Angelina Osborne
Patrick Vernon’s landmark ‘100 Great Black Britons’ campaign of 2003 was one of the most successful movements to focus on the role of people of African and Caribbean descent in British history. Frustrated by the widespread and continuing exclusion of the black British community from the mainstream popular conception of ‘Britishness’, despite black people having lived in Britain for over a thousand years, Vernon set up a public poll in which anyone could vote for the black Briton they most admired. The response to this campaign was incredible. As a result, a number of black historical figures were included on the national school curriculum and had statues and memorials erected and blue plaques put up in their honour. Now, with this book, Vernon and Osborne have relaunched the campaign with an updated list of names and accompanying portraits.
Find out what’s available for you to borrow online.
High Rise Mystery - Sharna Jackson
High Rise Mystery - Sharna Jackson
The detective duo everyone is dying to meet. Summer in London is hot, the hottest on record, and there’s been a murder in THE TRI: the high-rise home to resident know-it-alls, Nik and Norva. Who better to solve the case? Armed with curiosity, home-turf knowledge and unlimited time – until the end of the summer holidays anyway.
Find out what’s available for you to borrow online.
Ace of Spades - Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé
Ace of Spades - Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé
Welcome to Niveus Private Academy, where money paves the hallways, and the students are never less than perfect. Until now. Because anonymous texter, Aces, is bringing two students’ dark secrets to light. Talented musician Devon buries himself in rehearsals, but he can’t escape the spotlight when his private photos go public. Head girl Chiamaka isn’t afraid to get what she wants, but soon everyone will know the price she has paid for power. Someone is out to get them both. Someone who holds all the aces. And they’re planning much more than a high-school game.
Find out what’s available for you to borrow online.
Finding Home - Emily Dugan
Finding Home - Emily Dugan
Award-winning reporter Emily Dugan follows the tumultuous lives of a group of immigrants, all facing extraordinary obstacles in their quest to live in the UK. Mihai, 29, works in construction in London and longs for a National Insurance Number. Syrian refugee Emad, 35, set up the Free Syrian League and danger in the UK became as real as it had been in Damascus. He worked illegally in London to pay for his mother to be smuggled from Turkey on a near-deadly trip across the Mediterranean – but the battle to get her into Britain has only just started. Teaching assistant Klaudia is one of many thousands of Polish people now living in Boston – itself a microcosm of poorly managed migration. Dugan’s timely and acutely observed book reveals numerous intense personal dramas of ordinary men and woman as they struggle to find somewhere to call home.
Find out what’s available for you to borrow online.
Black British Lives Matter - Lenny Henry and Marcus Ryder
Black British Lives Matter - Lenny Henry and Marcus Ryder
In response to the international outcry at George Floyd’s death, Lenny Henry and Marcus Ryder have commissioned this collection of essays to discuss how and why we need to fight for Black lives to matter – not just for Black people but for society as a whole. Recognising Black British experience within the Black Lives Matter movement, seventeen prominent Black figures explain why Black lives should be celebrated when too often they are undervalued. Drawing from personal experience, they stress how Black British people have unique perspectives and experiences that enrich British society and the world; how Black lives are far more interesting and important than the forces that try to limit it.
Find out what’s available for you to borrow online.
Little Leaders: Exceptional Men in Black History - Vashti Harrison
Little Leaders: Exceptional Men in Black History - Vashti Harrison
This beautifully illustrated volume educates and inspires as it relates true stories of black men in history. Illuminating text paired with irresistible full-colour art bring to life both iconic and lesser-known figures. Among these biographies, readers will find aviators and artists, politicians and pop culture icons. The men featured include writer James Baldwin, artist Aaron Douglas, photographer Gordon Parks, diplomat Kofi Annan, comic book author Dwayne McDuffie, and musician Prince.
Find out what’s available for you to borrow online.
Black and British - David Olusoga
Black and British - David Olusoga
When did Africans first come to Britain? Who are the well-dressed black children in Georgian paintings? Why did the American Civil War disrupt the Industrial Revolution? These and many other questions are answered in this essential introduction to 1800 years of the Black British history: from the Roman Africans who guarded Hadrian’s Wall right up to the present day.
Find out what’s available for you to borrow online.
Negroland: A Memoir - Margo Jefferson
Negroland: A Memoir - Margo Jefferson
A deeply felt meditation on race, sex, class and American culture told through the prism of author Margo Jefferson’s rarefied upbringing and education among Chicago’s black elite.
Find out what’s available for you to borrow online.
"England is my home": Windrush lives in Lancashire
"England is my home": Windrush lives in Lancashire
Preston Black History Group;University of Central Lancashire. Research Centre for Migration, Diaspora and Exile;Institute of Black Atlantic Research.
Find out what’s available for you to borrow online.
Blogs
Discover our latest acquisition ‘Sweetest Devotion’ and learn more about the artist behind the piece, Billie Zangewa.
Learn about how contemporary artist Shawanda Corbett’s work comes to life as she combines music, poetry, dance and prose.
Read about the life of designer Althea McNish and how she left her mark on the textiles world. You’ll also be able to see one of her wonderful prints in our collection which can be found on our .
Images: (Left) Althea McNish. Reproduced courtesy of the Design Council Archive, University of Brighton Design Archives. (Right) Painted Desert, Made: Hull Traders using a design by Althea McNish Date: 1961.
