Valentines Mansion is celebrating Black History Month in the year marking 80 years since the end of WW2 with a thought-provoking art exhibition.
“Honouring Our Heroes” shines a light on some of the most courageous veterans of African descent and First Nations individuals who responded to the “Royal Call” from Britain, requesting support from countries within the British Empire when war was declared.
The selection of portraits on display gives these remarkable individuals a voice, a chance for the public to gain an insight into their fascinating lives, characters and accomplishments.
Jacqui Cooke comments:
“I am deeply honoured to present my themed collection of World War Veterans at Valentines Mansion, a gorgeous grade II listed country house, to mark 80 years since the end of the Second World War. This exhibition is both a commemoration and an opportunity for reflection, offering a space to honour the courage, sacrifice, and resilience of a generation whose legacy continues to shape our present.”
“Honouring our Heros” will be taking place at 'The Gallery', Valentines Mansion, Emerson Road, Ilford IG1 4XA.
This magnificient event is free to attend for all. It will be open between 12pm-5pm every Sunday and Monday between 6th and 27th October 2025.
Valentines Mansion is a gorgeous grade II* listed country house nestled within picturesque historic gardens and the award-winning Valentines Park.
We’re bringing the flavours, stories, and rhythms of the Caribbean to Sheffield’s Cambridge Collective for a one-day celebration. From the kitchen to the gallery with pulsating afro-centric rhythms lifting the ambience. You’ll experience the vibrant fusion of food, art, and music that has shaped generations.
Discover the tastes of home with hands-on cooking workshops led by expert chefs, journey through history with dishes rooted in the Caribbean post-WWII experience, and explore the colourful cuisines of Carnival from Trinidad, Barbados, St. Vincent, and St. Kitts. We’ll round off with the cherished Christmas recipes that continue to bring families together across the Caribbean and the UK.
Beyond the kitchen, immerse yourself in the powerful artwork of Jacqui Cooke, on display outside the Blend Kitchen, and let the sounds of Soca, Zouk, and Reggae set the soundtrack to your day.
Organised by Dr Sarah Frank and Ms Rhonda Allen from the University of Sheffield, this event is an open invitation to explore, connect, and celebrate together. Through the vibrant traditions of Caribbean cuisine, art, and music, we’ll create a space where people of all backgrounds can share stories, learn new skills, and experience the joy of cultural exchange. It’s about inclusion, belonging, and discovering how food, creativity, and rhythm bring us closer as a community.
Address: Cambridge Street Collective, 11 Backfields, Sheffield City Centre, Sheffield S1 4HP
To attend this event you need to book your place. Availability is limited, and to book your place click here Now!
