Black History Month: Bristol bust gets listed status
A Bristol bust of actor Alfred Fagon has been given Grade II listed status
A bust of the actor, poet and playwright Alfred Fagon in Bristol has been given Grade II listed status by the government to mark Black History Month.
The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport has made the change on the advice of Historic England, who's chief executive Duncan Wilson says Black History Month provides a "great opportunity" to celebrate the contributions of black people to British society.
As well as the bust of Fagon, which can be found in the St Pauls area of Bristol, a gravestone in Chelmsford marking the life of Joseph Freeman, who liberated himself from slavery, has also been given Grade II listed status.
A further three amendments to existing listings highlight and celebrate their historical significance, including 6 and 7 Christmas Steps in Bristol, once the residence of Carlos Trower, a famous high rope artist nicknamed the ‘African Blondin’.
Who was Alfred Fagon?
Fagon was one of the most notable Black British playwrights of the 1970s and 1980s, and at the time of his death it is thought that he was still the only Black British playwright to have had work broadcast on national television.
In 1996, to mark Fagon’s contribution to theatre, radio, television and film, The Alfred Fagon Award was launched to recognise Black British playwrights in the country.
The first award was made in 1997.
His bust was created by Zimbabwean artist David Matusa and was erected in 1987 as a permanent monument to him and his work.
"Alfred Fagon’s story as a 1950s immigrant whose talent led him to enrich the cultural life of this country is a notable chapter in our national cultural story," a statement from Historic England reads.
"The stories highlighted by these new listings and amendments are fascinating and important additions to The National Heritage List for England," chief executive Duncan Wilson said.
"These new additions are part of our ongoing commitment to recognising and celebrating our diverse heritage.”
Mayor of Bristol, Marvin Rees said: “Bristol is committed to developing a greater understanding of its history and the legacy of individuals within it so we welcome this decision.
"By learning more about our local history we can give recognition to the voices of people otherwise forgotten.
"Listing gives protection for important community focal points and sites of historical interest so future generations will be able to learn about, and celebrate, individuals that represent the diversity of our city."
Pauline Walker of the Alfred Fagon Award, said: "The Alfred Fagon Award is thrilled that Historic England is recognizing Alfred's contribution to the cultural life of Britain.
"He was a bold and unflinching playwright and his pioneering work has inspired many Black British playwrights to follow in his footsteps."
Fagon's bust has twice been the victim of damage and defacement; once in 2020 when it was partially corroded by an unknown substance and again in May of this year when an offensive word was graffitied onto it.