Claudia Jones
2022
Claudia Vera Jones (Sculpture)
My sculpture of Claudia Vera Jones pays tribute to a woman whose political courage, intellectual force, and cultural leadership helped shape Black British history. Claudia Jones born in Trinidad, later a prominent activist in the United States, and eventually a key figure in the UK was a journalist, feminist, and community organiser whose ideas continue to influence global struggles for justice. Often described as the mother of modern Black Britain, she founded the West Indian Gazette and played a foundational role in the creation of what would become the Notting Hill Carnival.In this work, I sought to honour not only her public achievements but also her resilience and humanity. Sculpting a figure to represent her allowed me to engage closely with her story: a story of political brilliance, exile, survival, and unwavering commitment to the empowerment of Black communities especially in London. Through form, text, gesture, and expression, I aimed to convey her strength as well as the warmth and determination that defined her leadership.
As an artist, I am drawn to figures who expand how we understand our histories and ourselves. Creating this sculpture was a way for me to contribute to keeping Claudia Jones’s legacy present and visible, especially at a time when her contributions are still too often under-recognised. The work stands as both a memorial and a reminder of the women who fought before us, of the communities they built, and of the cultural foundations we inherit.
Through this piece, I hope viewers feel a sense of connection to Claudia Jones’s life and the monumental impact she made across movements for civil rights, labour rights, feminism, and Black cultural identity. Her story is one of enduring relevance, and this work celebrates her as a symbol of dignity, persistence, and radical possibility.
You can view this sculpture at the Black cultural Archive in Brixton London. A work now used for Educational purpose