Roots, Routes and Resilience

Join us this Black History Month for Roots, Routes and Resilience a special exhibition exploring heritage, identity, community and connection through the remarkable story of His Imperial Majesty Emperor Haile Selassie I and his enduring links to Somerset.

Exhibition: Roots, Routes and Resilience

Join us this Black History Month for Roots, Routes and Resilience a special exhibition exploring heritage, identity, community and connection through the remarkable story of His Imperial Majesty Emperor Haile Selassie I and his enduring links to Somerset.

Inspired by the 2026 Black History Month theme, “Honouring Our Communities”, the exhibition celebrates the people, places and shared experiences that shape and sustain our communities.

It highlights the lasting legacy of Fairfield House in Bath, the former home of Emperor Haile Selassie during his years in exile in Britain, and its continuing role as a place of culture, learning and community in this the 90^th anniversary.

The exhibition will also explore Haile Selassie’s connections to the wider region, including his visit to Street, and examine how stories of migration, leadership, resilience and belonging continue to resonate today.

Through photographs, objects, personal stories and community voices, visitors are invited to discover the many journeys that connect Somerset to a wider global history.

The Community Cloak

At the heart of the exhibition will be the Community Cloak — a collaborative artwork inspired by Haile Selassie’s distinctive style and status as a global icon. Known for his elegant ceremonial robes, military uniform and regal presence, Haile Selassie’s image remains one of dignity, leadership and cultural pride.

Visitors of all ages will be invited to contribute a piece to the Community Cloak by adding a message, pattern, drawing, fabric decoration or personal reflection. Together, these individual contributions will create a unique collective artwork celebrating community, identity and shared heritage.

Just as the 2026 Black History Month theme encourages us to recognise the people who strengthen and support our communities, the Community Cloak will become a visual representation of the many voices, stories and connections that unite us.

Roots, Routes and Resilience invites everyone to reflect on the paths we have travelled, the communities that sustain us, and the legacies we carry forward for future generations.

Black History Month

Throughout October, communities, schools, organisations and institutions across the country will honour the contributions of Black people to Britain’s past, present and future.

This year’s theme, “Honouring Our Communities,” invites us to recognise the individuals whose everyday contributions shape, support and sustain Black life across the United Kingdom.

Black History Month 2026 at Shoemakers Museum in partnership with Fairfield House and the Somerset African Caribbean Network.

In Conversation

We are hoping you’ll be able to join us in the cafe at Shoemakers Museum for an ‘in conversation’ style talk about the exhibition content and the background and contribution of Fairfield House as it celebrates its 90th anniversary.

Wednesday 7^th October  11am – 12.15pm

Details to be confirmed. Booking will open soon.