{"product_id":"who-is-john-blanke","title":"Who Is John Blanke?","description":"\u003ci\u003e\u003cb\u003e''Brilliantly illuminates the overlooked chapters of Black Tudor England'' \u003c\/b\u003eProfessor Corinne Fowler, The University of Leicester\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cb\u003e''Encourages a deeper empathetic engagement with our shared past''\u003c\/b\u003e Professor David Olusoga, University of Manchester\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eThe groundbreaking art-history project\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eJohn Blanke was a Black trumpeter to the courts of Henry VII and Henry VIII, captured in two images in Tudor artwork and court records showing him receiving wages and petitioning for a wage increase and gifts\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eInspired by this enigmatic figure, Michael Ohajuru, a London-based cultural historian, invited over 100 artists and historians to imagine John Blanke’s world. Now, these images and words – exhibited in the British Museum and the Met in New York, but never displayed on the internet – have been curated in a sumptuous art book.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eFrom its startling black and white pages leap out the diverse perspectives of the artists, who with contrasting styles, portray John Blanke variously, among many things, as a trumpeter, a saxophonist, a focused jazz musician, and a stylish trump card.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eBy turns dazzling and intriguing, these different artistic renditions – along with rap music, poems and prose from historians – create a dazzling permanent embodiment of a noteworthy figure currently marginalised in British history.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eA lasting memento of the first person of African descent in British history for whom we have both an image and a record – and of an inspiring art and historical project.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eReviews\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eThe John Blanke Project redefines historical exploration\u003c\/b\u003e by merging practical scholarship with innovation and critical imagination. Anchored in social justice, it reveals the overlooked narratives of Black Tudor England, enriching our grasp of diversity and British identity. By blending art and history, it encourages a deeper empathetic engagement with our shared past, advocating for a more inclusive and equitable understanding of history. \u003ci\u003eDavid Olusoga, Professor of Public History, The University of Manchester\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eThe John Blanke Project brilliantly illuminates the overlooked chapters of Black Tudor England\u003c\/b\u003e, blending rigorous scholarship with creative vision. Its profound commitment to uncovering the full spectrum of our heritage challenges us to embrace a more diverse and inclusive narrative of British history. A landmark in historical exploration, this project transforms our understanding and appreciation of the past. \u003ci\u003eCorinne Fowler, Professor of Colonialism and Heritage, The University of Leicester\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eThe John Blanke Project offers a transformative lens on British history\u003c\/b\u003e, spotlighting the pivotal yet frequently overlooked roles of Black Britons in our shared heritage. This project stands shoulder to shoulder with my work on Ignatius Sancho, each amplifying the other, as we strive to paint a more inclusive and comprehensive portrait of our past. \u003ci\u003ePaterson Joseph, British Actor and Author, Chancellor of Oxford Brookes University\u003c\/i\u003e","brand":"MediaPlace","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57399405576574,"sku":"NW9781914487484","price":31.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0817\/1379\/1261\/files\/9781914487484.jpg?v=1778627099","url":"https:\/\/mediaplace.com\/en-eu\/products\/who-is-john-blanke","provider":"MediaPlace","version":"1.0","type":"link"}