Black Cultural Archives Jigsaw Puzzle: Leisure Time
The Black Cultural Archives jigsaw puzzle showcases some of the many ways in which Black communities typically enjoy their leisure time.
Learn more about some of the key names and activities Black communities took part in during their leisure time referenced from our archives below.
Sport
Portrait of Arthur Wharton next to a trophy (c. 1886).
Sport has always provided a way for people to come together, improve their physical fitness, socialise with one another and compete for excellence.
Arthur Wharton was the first professional Black footballer in England.
Carnival
Statue representing Claudia Jones, in the courtyard of Black Cultural Archives
“A people’s art is the genesis of their freedom.” This was the slogan of the first Caribbean carnival held in Britain at St. Pancras Town Hall in 1959. It was organized by Claudia Jones and Amy Ashwood Garvey.
Learn more about the history of Notting Hill Carnival
Art
The Domino Player by [Mothe 3/45].
Gordon de la Mothe OBE is a Grenadian artist and teacher who moved to England in 1957. Among his many achievements was the Rainbow Art Group which he set up to promote the work of artists from diverse ethnic backgrounds. He made many pencil sketches of celebrities and less well-known people.
Learn more in our Arts subject guide
Classical Music
Samuel Coleridge Taylor was a very famous classical music composer and musician born in London in 1875 to a Sierra Leonian father and an English mother. BCA holds a large collection of his works.
Learn more about Samuel Coleridge Taylor
Dance
Founded by Jamaicans Berto Pasuka and Richard Riley in London in 1946, Les Ballets Negres was the first known Black dance company in England.
Learn more in our Black British Dance subject guide
