The Walker Art Gallery is set to share the story of one of the first people of African descent in British history to have both a visual and written record.
The life of John Blanke, court trumpeter to Henry VII and Henry VIII, will be explored as part of the Gallery’s major upcoming exhibition, The Tudors: Passion, Power and Politics. The exhibition will be running from May 21 to August 29, 2022.
John Blanke has become the face of diversity in Tudor England. He is represented twice on the Westminster Tournament Roll (College of Arms, London) which will be on display as part of the exhibition.
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Produced in 1511, the Roll celebrates the birth of Henry VIII’s son with Katherine of Aragon, Henry, who died in infancy. The document was last on public display almost 20 years ago and has never before been shown outside of London.
John Blanke performed at the funeral of Henry VII in 1509 and at the coronation of King Henry VIII. Trumpets were always key at these events and were often referred to as the 'heralds of the gods'.
Tudor records reveal that King Henry VIII paid him a wage, and that he granted him a considerable pay rise. When John Blanke married in 1512, the king gifted him fine clothing.
It is not known how John Blanke came to England, but it is believed that he may have arrived from Spain with Katherine of Aragon in 1501. Katherine’s entourage also included Catalina, a woman from Motril, Granada, who was probably of North African descent, and Blanke would have been one of many Africans living in Tudor England.
Historians have learned more about the diversity of Tudor society in recent years. Much of this information has come from archival sources, written by English people living in England.
This evidence includes baptism, marriage and burial records. These show that Tudor society was ethnically diverse, and Africans were an integral part of this society.
The Tudors: Passion, Power and Politics will explore the fascinating politics, powerful family connections and unique culture of the most famous royals in history. The exhibition will showcase more than 100 objects.
The exhibition at the Walker will also present 24 artworks produced by artists as part of The John Blanke Project, founded and directed by Michael I Ohajuru. This contemporary art and archive project responds to the life and legacy of John Blanke, celebrating his presence at the Tudor court.
Michael I Ohajuru, director of the John Blanke Project, said: "In highlighting the role of John Blanke within this major exhibition, and presenting responses from contemporary artists and historians, we’re able to tell a real, inclusive Tudor story. In this way, history, art and the imagination can work together to make connections between Black British history, then and now.
"Many people find it difficult to visualise a Black Tudor presence, but the Westminster Tournament Roll presents him quite clearly within the grandeur and spectacle of Tudor court. Here, we’re seeing the most famous images of a named African person living in Tudor England."
Chila Kumari Burman is one of the artists presenting work as part of the exhibition. She said: "I imagined John Blanke as an exceptional musician with a cool commanding energy and dynamic spirit. After some research, I felt inspired to make a spontaneous aquatint etching, which I've embellished with subversive bindis and Swarovski gems to give John Blanke a regal and anarchic quality I think he represents and deserves!"
For further information, and to book tickets, visit the website here.
