This event delved into the deep-rooted connections between architectural and urban design, social policy, and the experiences of the UK’s post-war working class and Black diasporic communities.
The symposium began with Blacks Britannica (Dir. David Koff, 1978), a powerful and previously banned documentary that serves as a focal point for examining how urban planning and architectural practices have impacted these communities. The programme included a curated presentation of key excerpts from Blacks Britannica, an intimate screening of Julianknxx’s deeply moving work, Black Corporeal (Breathing By Numbers), a special presentation by visionary designer Daniel Odunton followed by a panel discussion with architectural designer/researcher Dr. Thandi Loewnson and Dr. Charmaine Brown, a community activist and historian of Peckham. These presentations and discussions offered a contemporary perspective on the histories explored.
This Peckham Platform event was proudly presented as part of “Made Without Permission”, an exhibition curated by bafalw, at Staffordshire St Gallery, and part of the 2024 London Design Festival.
Thank you to the Paul Mellon Centre for Studies in British Art, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Staffordshire Street Gallery, London Borough of Southwark and Arts Council England for supporting this event.
Image: Composite image, Blacks Britannica, David Koff (1978)
