Professor Shawn-Naphtali Sobers teaches Cultural Interdisciplinary Practice at UWE. Shawn is a Visual Anthropologist, working in writing, photography, and filmmaking, exploring narratives of belonging. Shawn will draw on his extensive work on Emperor Haile Selassie to illustrate the impact of the Orthodox Ethiopian Church within Christianity.
Ras Benji is the Operations Manager of Fairfield House and a researcher of the Emperor's life in exile. The Emperor came to worship at Wells Cathedral during the time that he was living in exile in Bath. Today, his former home in Bath, Fairfield House, is a diverse community hub/visitor attraction managed by Fairfield House Bath CIC; which serves to protect, and celebrate, the Emperor’s Legacy in Bath and the South West.
Paula Ogun Hector is the artist and curator of Tapestry of Black Britons, which is on display at the Cathedral from 4th-28th November. This 4m long tapestry pays tribute to the overlooked role of African and Caribbean servicemen and servicewomen in World War II and includes a portrait of Emperor Haile Selassie I to acknowledge the role he played to stop Mussolini during WWII.
Doors will open at 6:30pm to view Emperor Haile Selassie I in the Tapestry of Black Britons.
Wells Cathedral is proud to host the thought-provoking exhibition Tapestry of Black Britons, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Second World War from 4-28 November. This important multi-participant artwork, produced by artist Paula Ogun Hector and woven by Bristol-based textile company Dash + Miller, aims to elevate Black British history and contribute to a more inclusive historical narrative.
Drawing inspiration from the Bayeux Tapestry and African woven traditions this evolving artwork seeks to address gaps in British history by highlighting nearly 2000 years of Black presence in the country. With plans to tour elsewhere in the UK - Tapestry of Black Britons initially focuses on World War II service people shining a spotlight on the often-overlooked contributions of Black British, Caribbean and African service personnel to the war effort.
There will also be a special Remembrance Exhibition of art created by schools and community groups, in the Cathedral’s Chapter House.
For further information about the exhibitions and associated events please go to www.wellscathedral.org.uk/whats-on/remembrance-at-wells-cathedral
