One of this year’s Black History Month themes is ‘Before Windrush’, encouraging us to look further into UK history. With evidence that people from Africa were present in Carlisle over 2000 years ago – we’re going to be thinking about Septimius Severus – the Libyan-born Roman Emperor. We can’t claim that Severus was Black, but with the excitement of the recent Roman bathhouse finds currently on display – we feel it’s an important moment to acknowledge Septimius as an important person of colour.

This talk will be delivered by Elena Njoabuzia Onwochei-Garcia, who was commissioned by English Heritage for its Painting Our Past: The African Diaspora in England project. This saw six artists paint portraits of historic figures from the African Diaspora to be displayed at English Heritage sites connected to to each subject.

Elena will discuss her practice and approach to painting Septimius Severus. Learn more about Elena here.

Lunchtime Talks are 100% free, museum admission is not required. We do recommend booking in advance though.

December’s Lunchtime Talk will be taking place in the Function Room instead of the Lecture Theatre. There will be a slightly reduced capacity, so booking is even more essential.