Northern Roots is proud to announce the expansion of our work into Liverpool with the exhibition Toxteth, the Harlem of the Europe, currently on display at the Victoria Gallery at Liverpool University. This exhibition delves into the rich history of black musicians in Liverpool from the 1960s, and their profound impact on popular music culture.
The project was led by Kema Kay, Adam Collerton, and Georgia May, who have worked tirelessly to bring this important story to life. We collaborated with a professional film crew to capture interviews with the surviving members of this vibrant musical scene, ensuring their voices and experiences are preserved for future generations.
In addition to the interviews, we partnered with renowned Liverpool Based portrait photographer Ean Flanders, who has beautifully captured the essence of these musicians through his portraits. These striking images are a central feature of the exhibition, offering a visual journey through the lives and legacies of these influential artists.
“My involvement in this project grew from hearing the many stories of the artists and musicians of that era, and the struggles and inequalities they endured. I feel it is vital that these pioneers are acknowledged, not only for the influence they had in Liverpool, but also for the impact they made far beyond the city.” Ean Flanders. Photographer
Our collaboration extended to black Liverpool filmmakers Zion Joshua and Ruben Landim, who created compelling short films that are also featured in the exhibition. These films provide a dynamic and engaging perspective on the cultural contributions of Liverpool’s black musicians.
We are honored to have partnered with the Toxteth community group Mandela8 in this endeavor, as well as Liverpool University, the Real thing and the community from the L8. Their support and involvement have been invaluable in bringing this project to fruition.
We invite you to visit the Victoria Gallery to experience Toxteth, the Harlem of the Europe and celebrate the enduring legacy of Liverpool’s black musical pioneers.
For more information about the Exhibition please look at The Victoria Gallery website here.
The exhibition will run from 11 October 2025 to 1 August 2026