The book of the groundbreaking art project to reimagine the life of John Blanke, the first person of African descent in British history for whom we have both an image and a record. More than 100 artists and historians recreated the world of the Black trumpeter at the court of Henry VIII.
Artists and historians recreate the world of the first person of African descent in British history
The book of the groundbreaking art exhibition, displayed in the British Library and Metropolitan New York
John Blanke was a Black trumpeter to the courts of Henry VII and Henry VIII, captured in two images in Tudor artwork and court records showing him receiving wages and petitioning for a wage increase and gifts
Inspired by this enigmatic figure, Michael Ohajuru, a London-based cultural historian, invited over 100 artists and historians to imagine John Blanke’s world. Now, these images and words – exhibited in the British Museum and the Met in New York, but never displayed on the internet – have been curated in a sumptuous art book.
From its startling black and white pages leap out the diverse perspectives of the artists, who with contrasting styles, portray John Blanke variously, among many things, as a trumpeter, a saxophonist, a focused jazz musician, and a stylish trump card.
By turns dazzling and intriguing, these different artistic renditions – along with rap music, poems and prose from historians – create a dazzling permanent embodiment of a noteworthy figure currently marginalised in British history.
A lasting memento of the first person of African descent in British history for whom we have both an image and a record – and of an inspiring art and historical project.
Reviews
The John Blanke Project redefines historical exploration by merging practical scholarship with innovation and critical imagination. Anchored in social justice, it reveals the overlooked narratives of Black Tudor England, enriching our grasp of diversity and British identity. By blending art and history, it encourages a deeper empathetic engagement with our shared past, advocating for a more inclusive and equitable understanding of history. David Olusoga, Professor of Public History, The University of Manchester
The John Blanke Project brilliantly illuminates the overlooked chapters of Black Tudor England, blending rigorous scholarship with creative vision. Its profound commitment to uncovering the full spectrum of our heritage challenges us to embrace a more diverse and inclusive narrative of British history. A landmark in historical exploration, this project transforms our understanding and appreciation of the past. Corinne Fowler, Professor of Colonialism and Heritage, The University of Leicester
The John Blanke Project offers a transformative lens on British history, spotlighting the pivotal yet frequently overlooked roles of Black Britons in our shared heritage. This project stands shoulder to shoulder with my work on Ignatius Sancho, each amplifying the other, as we strive to paint a more inclusive and comprehensive portrait of our past. Paterson Joseph, British Actor and Author, Chancellor of Oxford Brookes University
The John Blanke Project redefines historical exploration by merging practical scholarship with innovation and critical imagination. Anchored in social justice, it reveals the overlooked narratives of Black Tudor England, enriching our grasp of diversity and British identity. By blending art and history, it encourages a deeper empathetic engagement with our shared past, advocating for a more inclusive and equitable understanding of history. – David Olusoga, Professor of Public History, The University of Manchester
The John Blanke Project brilliantly illuminates the overlooked chapters of Black Tudor England, blending rigorous scholarship with creative vision. Its profound commitment to uncovering the full spectrum of our heritage challenges us to embrace a more diverse and inclusive narrative of British history. A landmark in historical exploration, this project transforms our understanding and appreciation of the past. – Corinne Fowler, Professor of Colonialism and Heritage, The University of Leicester
The John Blanke Project, much like my exploration into Ignatius Sancho’s life, offers a transformative lens on British history, spotlighting the pivotal yet frequently overlooked roles of Black Britons in our shared heritage. Both endeavors challenge us to broaden our historical narratives, weaving the contributions of these remarkable individuals into the fabric of our national identity. This project stands shoulder to shoulder with my work on Sancho, each amplifying the other, as we strive to paint a more inclusive and comprehensive portrait of our past. – Paterson Joseph, British Actor and Author, Chancellor of Oxford Brookes University
Michael I Ohajuru holds an Honorary Doctorate from the Open University (2024), is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (2022), Senior Fellow of the Institute of Commonwealth Studies (2014), with honours degrees in Physics (Leeds, 1974) and Art History (Open University, 2008). He retired in 2014 after a 25-year career holding senior positions in international sales and marketing in the data and mobile communications industry. He lives in South London with his partner, the artist Ebun Culwin.
He blogs, writes and speaks regularly on the black presence in Renaissance Europe, he has spoken at the Metropolitan Museum, New York, the National Gallery, London, National Portrait Gallery, Tate Britain, British Library, National Archives and the Victoria Albert Museum on the subject.
In 2010, he founded Image of the Black in London Galleries – a series of gallery tours highlighting the overt and covert black presences to be found in the national art collections in London.
He is Project Director and Chief Evangelist of the John Blanke Project, a contemporary Art and Archive project celebrating John Blanke, the Black trumpeter to the courts of Henry VII and Henry VII now in the permanent collections of the National Studies What’s Happening in Black British History, a series of workshops fostering creative dialogue between researchers, educationalists (mainstream and supplementary), archivists and curators, and policymakers; a series of 10 workshops were held over five years.
He is a founder member of the Black Presence in British BP2 Podcast.
Michael I. Ohajuru DUniv, FRSA, Art & Cultural Historian
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