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Staying Power: Photographs of Black British Experience, 1950s-1990s

16 February 2015

A major new photography exhibition opens at London's V&A today, showcasing a variety of photographic responses to black British experience from the 1950s to the 1990s. A collaboration with Black Cultural Archives, Staying Power aims to raise awareness of the contribution of black Britons to British culture and society, as well as to the art of photography. To coincide with the display at the V&A, Black Cultural Archives are also presenting an exhibition drawn from the collection at their heritage centre in Brixton. Below, you can view a selection of images drawn from both shows.

Staying Power: Photographs of Black British Experience, 1950s-1990s runs until 24 May at the V&A, and until 30 June at Black Cultural Archives.

Neil Kenlock, Untitled [Young woman seated on the floor at home in front of her television set], C-type print, London, 1972 | © Neil Kenlock Victoria and Albert Museum, London
Al Vandenberg, High Street Kensington from the series On a Good Day | © The Estate of Al Vandenberg Victoria and Albert Museum, London
Colin Jones, Untitled, 1973-76, from the series The Black House | © Colin Jones Autograph ABP Victoria and Albert Museum, London
Pogus Caesar, Underside of overturned car with two men walking past, 1985, from the series Handsworth Riots | © Pogus Caesar Victoria and Albert Museum, London
Syd Shelton, Darcus Howe, Anti-National Front Demonstration, Lewisham, 1977 | © Syd Shelton Autograph ABP Victoria and Albert Museum, London
Yinka Shonibare, Diary of a Victorian Dandy | © Yinka Shonibare Victoria and Albert Museum, London

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Armet Francis, Self-Portrait in Mirror, London, 1964, gelatin silver print | © Armet Francis Victoria and Albert Museum, London
Gavin Watson, Barry's Haircut, 1987 | © Gavin Watson Victoria and Albert Museum, London
J. D. 'Okhai Ojeikere, HD-55774 (Beri Beri) from the series Hairstyles, gelatin silver print, Nigeria, 1974 | © The estate of J.D. 'Okhai Ojeikere Victoria and Albert Museum, London
J. D. 'Okhai Ojeikere, Untitled, HG 423-04 from the series Headties, gelatin silver print, Nigeria, 2004 | © The estate of J.D. 'Okhai Ojeikere Victoria and Albert Museum, London
Ingrid Pollard, from the series Self Evident | © Ingrid Pollard Victoria and Albert Museum, London
Normski, African Homeboy - Brixton, London, 1987, printed 2011, C-type print | © Normski Victoria and Albert Museum, London

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