The Kente Cloth Project was designed to involve all members of the Advocacy Project and its sister organisation, the Mary Seacole House, including trustees, staff, volunteers, and service users themselves. The theme had to include the kente cloth throughout, and several were imported from Ghana.

The Wonderful Mary Seacole
1805- 1881
In her lifetime, Mary Jane Grant Seacole became the most respected black woman in the British Empire. She was celebrated for the way she cared for the sick and wounded during the Crimean war.

Born in Jamaica during slavery in 1805 of a creole mother and a Scottish father, she created her own role - centre stage and in the heart of battle. 'Aunty Seacole' or 'Mother of the regiment' as she was also known, risked her life on the frontline at the siege of Sebastopol, caring for the casualties of the British Army. She saved thousands of men from the dangers of the cholera, dysentry and jaundice. The soldiers loved her because of her ample medical knowledge and skills, together with her caring bedside manner and empathy. Granby Community Mental Health Group (GCMHG) made her patron of Mary Seacole House in honour of those who continue to need her expertise and support.

Over an eight-day period, three community photographic artists,

Vic Pigula

Bill McDonough

Peter Mack


worked within the organisations to produce a series of 20” x 30” images in and around the building. Much of the service users art is incorporated in the exhibition, and all participants helped in the design and selection process. The exhibition was launched on Friday 14th October as part of Black History Month.