about

Iconic Black Britons is an award-winning heritage interpretation practice founded by Dr Michele Curtis in 2019. What began as a single self-funded exhibition in Bristol has evolved into a body of work with national and international reach across museums, cultural organisations and the education sector.

The practice emerged from a critical recognition: Black British contributions to Britain's art, cultural, social and political landscape have been systematically overlooked or forgotten. Through rigorous archival research combined with creative storytelling, Iconic Black Britons develops original projects and collaborates with partners whose work aligns with our commitment to historical accuracy and inclusive representation.

"This isn't just Black history; this is British History" is the principle that governs our approach. We use biographical narratives to bring previously marginalised histories to light, balancing scholarly rigour with artistic vision. By centring excluded perspectives whilst engaging with complex emotions and difficult histories, our work creates space to feel, discuss and learn without guilt, celebrating progress whilst acknowledging how present the past remains.

"History should be embraced, not erased"

- Dr Michele Curtis

Iconic Black Britons creates exhibitions, large-scale public murals, digital experiences using AR technology, bespoke educational workshops, books and heritage projects delivered for RIBA, University of Bristol, University of the West of England, the RWA Bristol, NHS trusts, museums, schools and cultural organisations. Our mission centres on three pillars: art, education and representation, ensuring successful outcomes by combining them effectively. Through meaningful consultation, we develop commissioned projects that inspire young people by providing knowledge of role models and histories often missing from mainstream curricula.

Our work is endorsed by the Jamaican High Commission. In 2018, His Excellency Seth George Ramocan, then Jamaican High Commissioner, stated:

"Michele's work is a valuable contribution to the documentation of our presence in Britain. By mapping the achievements of the African Caribbean community in Bristol, Michele is also raising the profile of Jamaicans in the UK. Her work shares inspirational narratives of how Black people have continued to fight against indifference, oppression and racism, whilst striving to promote integration and equality. It is encouraging to see Michele educating young people, inspiring them to be the next generation of role models, whilst being an inspiration in her own right."

This endorsement reflects the practice's commitment to authenticity and its success in creating interpretation that resonates locally and internationally. What distinguishes Iconic Black Britons is its rootedness in lived experience and deep community connections. Rather than extracting stories, we create them collaboratively, building relationships over years with families and elders, listening with patience and respect. This approach ensures Global Majority perspectives don't merely inform the work but fundamentally shape its direction and outcomes. The practice has become a model for heritage practitioners nationally, actively dismantling barriers that alienate diverse groups from participating in narratives that are fundamentally theirs.

Through its projects, Iconic Black Britons demonstrates that confronting difficult histories need not be divisive. By centring careful facilitation and genuine partnership with diverse communities, the practice builds understanding and cohesion that extends beyond the city limits. This approach asserts that British history is not divided into 'theirs' and 'ours' but is a shared heritage that must be told with all voices present and valued, particularly those whose voices have been historically silenced, and that these stories are told with unflinching honesty and evidence.