At Home with Vanley Burke

Vanley Burke's flat in Nechells, Birmingham

Vanley Burke is a renowned photographer concerned especially with black culture in Britain; he was born in Jamaica in 1951 and has lived in Birmingham since 1965. Alongside his numerous exhibitions, Burke is also an avid collector – his archive is vast and varied, including posters, books, clothes, records, ornaments and countless other items that provide a fascinating and invaluable insight into the UK’s African Caribbean communities. These objects serve as a portrait of religious and political beliefs, artistic activities, fashions, leisure pursuits, food, health issues and many other aspects of everyday life.

Ikon’s 2015 exhibition, At Home with Vanley Burke, is an ambitious undertaking, and will involve moving the entire contents of the artist’s flat in Nechells, north-east Birmingham, to the gallery. Burke’s home is extraordinary – a cabinet of wonderful curiosities; help us show this to the public.​

We’re planning for the exhibition to run from 22 July to 27 September 2015.