Photo © Alexis Chabala

I imagined John Blanke as a "trump card". His status as one of the earliest, visualised records of a Black person resident in England in the 16th century, stands as a definitive challenge and counterpoint to those who are yet to accept that the black historical presence on these shores pre-dates the "Empire Windrush".  As with a deck of cards, (symbolically denoting his place within the royal court of Henry VIII) John plays his hand impeccably. His purpose, as a trumpeter, sounding a clarion call to awake the historical, moral and social consciousness of this country, could not be clearer. 

Jon Daniel 
(1966-2017)
Independent. Creative Director.  Designer.  Artist.  Author.  Curator.  Collector

John Blanke Project editor's Jon obituary