A black notebook containing various images of John Archer, attached using tape or a pin. Three blobs of grey paint are smeared next to each other on one of his images, with the name “John Archer” written at the bottom left-hand side of the notebook.

Archer's Legacy Lives

Homegrown Festival 2026

Information

Dates and Times:

Exhibition:
29-30 May, 10am – 11pm

Roots of the People
29 May, 6pm – 8pm

From Roots to Creation
30 May, 3pm – 5pm

Tickets:

Exhibition: Free (no booking required)

Roots of the People: Pay What You Can (Recommended Price £6)*

From Roots to Creation: Pay What You Can (Recommended Price £6)*

*all orders subject to a transaction fee of £2

Running Time:

Exhibition: This is a drop-in exhibition

Roots of the People: 2 hours

From Roots to Creation: 2 hours

The Exhibition takes place in person in Elm House

Roots of the People takes place in person in Tom’s Café

From Roots to Creation takes place in person in our Members Bar

A three-part exploration of the life and legacy of the first Black Mayor of a London Borough, John Archer.

Part 1: Exhibition
Part 2: Roots of the People
Part 3: From Roots to Creation

In 1913, John Archer was elected as the Mayor of the Borough of Battersea in the former Town Hall, now Battersea Arts Centre.

Across three connected events, Archer’s Legacy Lives invites you to engage with Black British history through art, performance, and creative participation.

Part 1: Exhibition – An exploration of Archer’s political significance and enduring cultural impact. 

Part 2: Roots of the People – Experience an original poem inspired by the former Mayor. After this performance, create your own piece of writing inspired by John Archer and your own personal experiences. 

Part 3: From Roots to Creation – Transform your discoveries into a zine, using art and creativity to reflect on history.

Archer’s Legacy Lives is a powerful exploration of a key moment in Black British history that continues to shape the world we live in today. 

Exhibition

Using visual art and text-based displays, Part 1 of Archer’s Legacy Lives centres Black British history reflecting on Archer’s political achievements and ongoing relevance.

This exhibition can be experienced independently but is best enjoyed alongside the performance and workshops.

 

This is a drop-in exhibition. Booking is not required.

Credits

Next Gen Producers is part of BAC’s Next Gen creative engagement programmes for ages 11-29, generously supported by Arts Council England and Apple, with additional support from Craig Mawdsley, The Mackintosh Foundation, The D’Oyly Carte Charitable Trust, and The Idlewild Trust.

Workshops

Book here for
Part 2: Roots of the People
Book here for
Part 3: From Roots to Creation

Access

PRE EVENT INFORMATION

The Exhibition take place in person in Elm House. This space is on the ground floor with step-free access.

The Roots of the People workshop takes place in person in Tom’s Café. This space is on the ground floor with step-free access.

The From Roots to Creation workshop takes place in person in our Members Bar. This space is on the first-floor, with step free access to the space via a lift.

If you have booked a ticket, you will receive an email before the event detailing important information about your visit.

EXHIBITION INFORMATION

Content

  • References to racism.

This event will be Relaxed. We invite you to make yourself comfortable and move around if you need to. If you need to leave the event at any point, you will be allowed to return when you feel ready.

VISIT OUR ACCESS PAGE

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