The Music is Black: A British Story
125 years of Black music-making in Britain. Spanning four continents, this is a story of excellence, struggle, resilience and joy.
Our partners at the BBC have created a season of content across iPlayer and Sounds inspired by The Music is Black.
Our partners at the BBC have created a season of content across iPlayer and Sounds inspired by The Music is Black.
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With further support from
Exhibition highlights
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Skin performing in Clit Rock suit made by Daniel Pollitt at Glastonbury, 2022 -
Bob Marley at the Lyceum Theatre, London, 1975 -
Stagewear customised and worn by DJ Paulette, 1992. Made by Knickerbox -
Acoustic guitar, 1964. Donated by Joan Armatrading -
So Solid Crew, Battersea Park, 2001 -
Sepia Butterfly, by Jennie Baptiste, London, London -
Big Mama Thornton for Arhoolie Records, about 1958 – 70 -
Skepta and Jammer, Run the Road, Fabric, 2005, London, England -
Sign for The Blue Note club, made by Tom Hingston, 1993 -
Mis-Teeq, 2003 -
Against Racism during The Specials’ set, gelatin silver print (printed 2012), 1981, Potternewton Park, Leeds -
Winifred Atwell’s ‘other’ piano, made by Chappell Pianos, unrecorded date
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The Music is Black: A British Story
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Header image:
Photography by Nathan Shadrach, featuring Chloe Carterr and Malik Henry