Who is John Blanke? by Michael Ohajuru (ISBN: 9781914487484)

The book of the groundbreaking art exhibition, displayed in the British Library, Met New York and Walker in Liverpool

John Blanke is the first person of African descent in British history for whom we have both an image and a record. He was a Black trumpeter to the courts of Henry VII and Henry VIII.

There are just two images of John Blanke in the Great Tournament Roll of Westminster and court records of him receiving wages and petitioning for a wage increase and gifts.

Inspired by this enigmatic figure, Michael Ohajuru invited over 100 artists and historians to imagine John Blanke’s world. Now these images and words – never displayed on the internet – have been curated in a large art book.

From 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. A dazzling permanent embodiment of a noteworthy figure.

✅ FIRST edition hardback (limited numbers)

✅ FREE post and packing in the UK

✅ SUPERB gift for people who love history and art