Black is Beautiful, Blackness without Apology

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This display transforms Aston Hall’s Boudoir into a young Black girl’s contemporary dressing room.

Featuring a combination of contemporary and 18th century items, the display celebrates Black women and the rich diverse culture within the Black diaspora.

The narrative for the display springs from Sarah Newton, Lady of Aston Hall’s involvement in the enslavement of Black people during the 18th century.

Black is Beautiful, Black without Apology has been created by local young people as part of Don’t Settle - a collaboration between Beatfreeks and Birmingham Museums Trust. The initiative empowers local young people of colour to change the voice of heritage through the arts, research and governance.

A room with two tall windows with a display case in front of each window and a dressing table in the middle.

About Don’t Settle

Don’t Settle is a Beatfreeks project funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund which empowers 16-25-year-old People of Colour in Birmingham and the Black Country to change the voice of heritage through the arts, research, and governance.