Black Country’s most talented revealed. Celebrate our 100 Masters on 25th November.
100masters.co.uk
Profiling the Black Country’s experts of today, and inspiring pioneers of tomorrow.
The exceptional list of Masters range from award-winning authors, sought-after designers, green-fingered gardeners, globe-trotting art directors, engineers, athletes, crafts people, entrepreneurs, brewers, dancers, artists, poets and community ambassadors, with plenty in-between, all representing extraordinary present-day talent from the Black Country.
Experience the breadth of the region’s best at the Festival of Masters, a one day popup festival in the heart of Wolverhampton, offering a once in a lifetime opportunity to see the Black Country’s 100 Masters at work whilst sipping on mulled wine. 100 Masters is a campaign that aims to highlight local people’s skills, expertise and extraordinary achievements selected by public nomination. Festival of Masters brings together one hundred individual experts under one roof. During the summer the public nominated people they know who are brilliant at what they do. Hundreds of nominations from across the region were submitted and now the 100 Masters list has been compiled. The shortlisted Masters were chosen via a panel selection process and come from a dazzling breadth of backgrounds, ages and areas of the region. The public will get the chance to get up close to some of the Masters who will be appearing at the festival on Saturday 25th November at Starworks Warehouse in Wolverhampton. Everyone is welcome! Entry to the Festival is free. Workshops are on a first come, first served basis. Directions: Starworks Warehouse on Frederick Street is next to St John’s Retail Park (behind Next). A 10 minute walk from Wolverhampton Train Station or 5 minutes from the Mander and Wulfrun Centre. Paid parking is available.
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SCAN THE IMAGE TO BRING IT TO LIFE 1. Download the LAYAR app on to your smartphone 2. Open the app and let it have access to the camera on your phone 3. Hold the phone about 15-20cm above the Image 4. Tap the screen to scan 5. Wait for the animation to appear
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Jim has been recognised with a lifetime achievement award at the National Fitness Awards. Jim, who runs Jim’s Gym in Lye, Stourbridge, is an international judge for the National Amateur Body Building Association and its longest-serving member.
Meet the Masters
10. Chu Walsall Graffiti artist It was back in the early ‘80s in Streetly, Walsall, when Chu picked up his first aerosol can. He became Walsall Council’s own ‘Aerosol Art co-ordinator’ during the ‘90s before deciding the freelance life was for him and setting up the Graffiti Bastards Collective. He continues to work and exhibit internationally moving between London, Birmingham, Amsterdam, and Barcelona.
1. Allan Ahlberg Sandwell Children’s author Allan has written more than 100 children’s books, many of which were illustrated by his late wife Janet, including the award-winning picture books Each Peach Pear Plum and The Jolly Postman - both winners of the Kate Greenaway Medal.
11. Gary Clifton Sandwell
2. Brian & Anne Bailey Wolverhampton Shed building & gardening The Bailey’s shed, The Gothic Retreat, was shortlisted on TV show George Clarke’s Shed of the Year and is made from two tons of reclaimed stone, timber and cedar shingles.
3. Peter Bebb Wolverhampton Special effects artist University of Wolverhampton graduate Peter is a special effects artist best known for working on The Dark Knight trilogy. He won an Oscar at the 83rd Academy Awards for the film Inception in the category of Best Visual Effects.
4. Jana Bellin
6. Sue Blane Wolverhampton Costume maker One of the UK’s leading theatre and film costume and set designers Sue has been at the forefront of Europe’s theatre scene for over 40 years. From her early original iconic designs for The Rocky Horror Picture Show to the current productions of Roman Polanski’s Dance of the Vampires, Kiss Me Kate and David Bintley’s Aladdin.
Sandwell Chess Champion Eight times British Women’s Chess Champion Jana has made 15 appearances in the Women’s Chess Olympiads, earning three silver medals and was awarded the Woman Grandmaster (WGM) title in 1982.
7. Donald Brown
5. Liz Berry
Wolverhampton Storyteller One of only a handful of full-time Indian Storytellers working in Britain today, Peter’s performances have been described by others as: energetic, totally engaging, and always told with warmth and great relish. Peter has been storytelling since 1999, and has entertained audiences all over Britain and further with his tales from the Indian Subcontinent.
Walsall Poet Lighting up the Black Country dialect in a unique way Liz’s debut collection of poems, Black Country, was a Poetry Book Society Recommendation, received a Somerset Maugham Award, won the Geoffrey Faber Memorial Award and won the Forward Prize for Best First Collection 2014.
Wolverhampton Sculptor Acclaimed sculptor Donald is the director and founder of The Global Gallery Limited which uses art to promote peace and financial empowerment while helping elevate and empower those in need. In 2006 Donald was invited as an Inspirational guest speaker at the United Nations. Donald is also an Athlete and in 2015 he won Gold in Poland in the 60-meter hurdles.
8. Peter Chand
9. Jim Charles Dudley Body-building coach One of the best-known names in the world of fitness and body building
Sandwell Wolverhampton Dudley Walsall
Foaming engineer Gary has worked for Oldbury based foam and rubber suppliers Gilca Limited for over 25 years. The company manufactures AleXon PU foam, often used for special effects makeup and body painting applications. The foam has the Chinese mystified and they simply cannot replicate it keeping Gary and Gilca Limited at the forefront of the cosmetic and medical game.
12. Russell David (Footloose) Wolverhampton B-Boy and hip-hop lyricist Creative Director of B-Side HipHop Festival and Break Mission, Russell has developed groundbreaking community led hip-hop projects locally and nationally and is himself one of the country’s most recognised B-boys.
13. Vivien Davies Sandwell Amateur theatre Vivien Davies is chair of West Bromwich Operatic Society, an amateur theatre company which she has been involved since she was a child (her mother was a founder member in 1938). The company has built a reputation for producing great musical theatre to the highest standards as well as making an incredible contribution to amateur arts and the wider community within the Black Country.
14. Kay Davies, DBE, FRS, FMedSci Dudley Geneticist
“To be successful generally, I think you’ve got to reach for the stars. You’ve got to believe in yourself and be yourself.”
Stourbridge-born scientist Kay has dedicated her career to finding a cure for muscular dystrophy and researching the debilitating condition. She has an active interest in the ethical implications of her research and in the public understanding of science. She is also a founding fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences and was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 2003.
15. Indi Deol Sandwell Online journalist Indi has worked hard over a number of years to develop desiblitz into the leading online magazine aimed at British Asians which now has 300,000 monthly readers and has won national awards.
16. Miranda Dickinson Dudley Author & mentor From an early age, Miranda
dreamed of writing a book that would make the heady heights of Kingswinford Library. Her novels, Fairytale of New York, Welcome To My World, It Started With A Kiss, When I Fall In Love and Take A Look At Me Now, have all been Sunday Times bestselling titles selling over a million copies in the UK alone.
been working as a tutor and vocal coach, as well as a choir director, training individuals and groups all over the country. His passion and understanding have allowed him to sing with and train a number of groups, choirs, and individuals from around the country.
24. Dave Gerrard
17. Karl Douglas Sandwell Artist Karl was an integral part of the Sandwell Ceramic Flowers project by Creative Arts. The eye-catching garden of 1,200 handmade ceramic flowers was created by people with disabilities from across the Black Country. Karl took part in everything from building the base to painting the flowers and put his heart and soul into the project.
18. Reanne Evans Dudley Snooker player Reanne is a multiple World Ladies Billiards and Snooker Association Champion; a title she won a record ten successive times between 2005 and 2014, and the first ever woman to reach the final stages of a professional ranking snooker tournament.
speed enthusiast, international drag racer and owner of the Red Victor 2: Europe’s fastest roadworthy vehicle.
22. Hayley Gammon Wolverhampton Glass Blower
25. Preet Gill Sandwell Politician Smethwick raised Preet has been the Labour Party’s Member of Parliament for Edgbaston since being elected in June this year, making history as the first female British Sikh MP. She officially started public life as a Councillor for the St Paul’s Ward in Sandwell after being elected for the Labour Party in 2012 and has been a Cabinet Member at Sandwell Council making recommendations on the Council’s overall policy direction.
19. The Fizzogs; Sue Hawkins, Deb Nicholls & Jacky Fellows Dudley Performers The Fizzogs have travelled throughout the UK with their comedy shows which includes the internet sensation The Dancing Grannies. Edinburgh Festival has been a huge success for the girls with sell-out shows in 2016 of their comedy sketch show May Contain Nuts.
26. Masai Graham Sandwell Comedian
Walsall Software developer A British software developer, author and international public speaker on software development, Martin specialises in object-oriented analysis and design, Unified Modelling Language, patterns, and agile software development methodologies, including extreme programming.
Hayley incorporates traditional methods and modern techniques to keep her designs and ideas as innovative as possible within this skilled craft. Alongside creating her own unique work from her central Wolverhampton studio she has also forged strong links with local schools and museums within the Black Country and has a strong desire to teach and inspire a new generation of glassmakers.
21. Andy Frost
23. Conrad Gayle
20. Martin Fowler
Wolverhampton Mechanical and automotive engineer Andy is an automotive mechanic,
Dudley Bus driver Commended at the National Transport Awards as ‘Employee of the Year’ Dave has been a bus driver for over fifty years and every year he coordinates events to raise money for Russell’s Hall Hospital, The Royal British Legion, Macmillan Nurses and many others. He is renowned for cracking jokes and telling one-liners to passengers and colleagues and so far has raised over £22,000 for charity, most recently by agreeing to not tell any jokes for a month.
Walsall Choirmaster Conrad believes that everyone can sing and for the last 24 years, he has
“My dad suggested I register for a donor card, he’s a man after my own heart.” This is THE joke that won Masai the funniest joke of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2016. However, the title hasn’t come out of the blue as Masai was a runner-up in 2014 and came fourth in 2015; not a bad feat given his day job is helping care for young adults with autism that he fits in during his appearances around the comedy circuit.
the prestigious Royal College of Art in 2014 and she is currently undertaking a TECHNE funded PhD at Kingston University. She has been a finalist and nominee for numerous awards including Foam Talent (2016) British Journal of Photography’s International Photography Award (winner – 2016), and Saatchi New Sensations (2014).
27. ‘Cactus’ Stan Griffin
32. Brendan Hawthorne
Sandwell Cacti breeder Over fifty years of growing cacti and other succulents has given Stan unrivalled experience and understanding of their needs. With such a dedication to the pursuit, it is no wonder he has so many greenfingered fans including Carol Kline, Diarmuid Gavin, Monty Don, David Bellamy and Bob Flowerdew.
Sandwell Playwright, musician and poet
28. Liz Griffiths Dudley Film set decorator BAFTA and British Film Designers Guild member Liz Griffiths has used her creative skills over the last 25 years to interpret scripts for film and TV and bring them to life in some of the most recognisable shows. Her projects have included producing sets for Dr. Who, Secrets and Lies with Mike Leigh, Hot Fuzz, Shaun of the Dead, and Dad’s Army, as well as designing for the Hollywood big league with The Mummy and The Conjuring 2.
29. Rani Gundhu Wolverhampton Police officer Rani is the longest serving Asian Police Officer for West Midlands Police - serving for 30 years. As well as working on the beat she has worked closely with the Asian community supporting women.
30. Rob Halford Walsall Rock musician, singer/songwriter Rob Halford is a pioneering singer of Heavy Metal band Judas Priest. There have been few vocalists in the history of heavy metal whose singing style has been as influential or recognisable as the lead singer is this Grammy award-winning band.
31. Felicity Hammond Dudley Photographer Felicity’s art education began in Stourbridge before she went on to study a Masters degree at
“Every sphere of human activity, even peeling a potato, can be a work of art as long as it is a conscious act.”
35. Carla Higgins Wolverhampton Royal Navy Officer Lieutenant Commander Carla Higgins was appointed the first female commanding officer of a squadron safeguarding Britain’s nuclear fleet. She has previously served with Type 45 destroyers HMS Dragon and Diamond, as well as Her Majesty’s Ships Campbeltown, Kent and Mersey.
36. Peter Hill Sandwell Pub expert Peter Hill has spent the past 33 years visiting pubs managing to get himself entered into both the Guinness Book of Records and Ripley’s Believe it or Not for his achievements. While most of us are happy with a pop down the local for a pint Peter takes his pub visits a little more seriously visiting 20,326 pubs over three decades.
37. Laura Howell Sandwell Cartoonist Laura broke through the female glass ceiling of the comic world to become the first woman to produce work for the world famous Beano. The cartoonist produces a regular strip for The Beano and is the first female to do so in its 70 plus year history.
38. Elizabeth Ilsley Dudley Fashion designer
Brendan’s Black Country background has forged his attitude to writing and performing poetry. Sometimes hard-hitting, sometimes delicate and poignant, his work examines the range of human experience from factory gates via 1970’s tower blocks to the survival of humour in modern times, either in standard English or his beloved Black Country dialect.
33. Piara Hayre Wolverhampton Shop owner The corner shop has always been there for us, it’s a British institution. Piara Hayre started his corner store in Knox Road, Wolverhampton in 1960 and continues to work there to this day at the age of 86. This unsung hero has been at the center of ordinary lives for more than 56 years.
34. Blind Dave Heeley Sandwell Marathon runner Dave Heeley has been hitting the headlines for quite a few years now thanks to his mammoth endurance efforts which has included completing 7 marathons in 7 days on 7 continents - he is the first and only blind person in the world to achieve this.
Sandwell Wolverhampton Dudley Walsall
I SHAVE MY LEGS FOR YOU was the bold statement that visual artist Elizabeth Ilsley decided to emblazon on the back of a vintage leather jacket thus cementing her position as the go-to artist for unique customised clothing. Her take on feminist punk slogans have made her a firm favourite with fashionistas across the globe with one-off, hand designed, hand painted creations that have honest, shocking, funny and totally relatable slogans.
39. Brendan Jackson Wolverhampton Photographer, filmmaker and artist Over the years Brendan has developed diverse large-scale arts programmes with a range of projects where community engagement is intrinsic. He has undertaken significant projects in the museums and heritage sector, bringing together different voices, experiences and perspectives.
40. Harbans Jandu
43. Lauren Johnson
Wolverhampton Punjabi song lyricist Harbans (also known as Jandu Littranwala) is a composer who was born in the village of Littran in Jalandhar District of the Punjab. He has written songs for many famous Bhangra and Punjabi artists gaining a plethora of awards along the way both for his lyrics and for promoting the Punjabi language and culture worldwide.
Wolverhampton Professional Boxer Lauren is the Black Country’s first ever professional female Boxer. Before turning pro, Lauren was England’s Boxing middleweight champion. As an amateur Lauren won a Midlands title, English title and a senior national ABA title.
41. Caroline Jariwala Sandwell Mosaic artist Caroline Jariwala’s ability to turn old pieces of crockery into stunning works of art has taken her around the world. The Sandwell–based artist has been commissioned far and wide to produce intricate and beautifully crafted mosaics for schools, community spaces, and even a pub.
44. Jas Kapur Wolverhampton Film projectionist & cinema technician
Sandwell Entrepreneur
Beginning his working life as an accountant, Ninder followed his passion for creativity to become a Bhangra pop star. His diverse work/life has seen him elected President of the Black Country Chamber of Commerce where he fought tirelessly for the rights and growth of the business community. A true advocate for the region, he is a board member of the West Midlands Growth Company that works to attract investment, jobs, visitors and businesses to the area.
47. Ranjit Khutan Wolverhampton Public health
“Choose creativity in everything you do - you’ll not only find innovative solutions to problems, but you’ll have fun too.”
42. Ninder Johal
“When someone tells you it cannot be done - ignore them. When someone tells you that you are not good enough to do it - ignore them. And when someone tells you not to dream - ignore them.”
textiles and floor-based installations inspired by the Indian sand painting art form of rangoli. During the past 29 years, since taking up residency in the UK, Ranbir’s main aim has been to raise the profile of the arts and crafts of Asian Women. Ranbir was given the opportunity to create the largest Rangoli in the World which saw her entered into the Guinness Book of Records.
Jas has always been an ambassador for the Black Country using his knowledge and expert practice of audio visual technologies and event management to bring many great events to the region. As Centre Manager at Light House, his long career in cinema and film projection has seen him recognised for his skills locally and nationally.
45. Parv Kaur Sandwell Indian drummer Recognised globally Eternal Taal is the only all-female dhol drumming group founded and managed by the award-winning Parv Kaur. Eternal Taal has not only set standards in the UK Bhangra industry but has also broken through to the nonAsian mainstream, performing to wider audiences and educating people about the genre.
46. Ranbir Kaur Sandwell Rangoli artist Artist Ranbir has cultivated a global profile through her work with communities across the world using
Dr Khutan has worked to improve public health in and around the Black Country for over 20 years. Throughout his work, he noticed the use of the arts as a method to engage people with positive health messages. He began to use the arts in his own public health practice with BAME and LGBTQ communities, devising and writing plays performed in local spaces and regional theatres.
48. Bhupinder ‘Tubsy’ Kullar Wolverhampton Traditional Indian musician Tubsy is well known for his work and art with the Dhol and Dholki drums both locally and internationally and has played for stars such as Mariah Carey and Stevie Wonder.
49. Joan Lockley Walsall Hedgehog rescuer Joan rescued her first hedgehog, Spike, 15 years ago and has been helping hedgehogs ever since. She runs the West Midlands Hedgehog Rescue and has saved and cared for thousands of hoglets and hedgehogs. Joan has been recognised for her great work and has won the International Fund for Animal Welfare Animal Action Award which was presented to her at the House of Lords.
50. Clint Mansell Stourbridge Composer Former Pop Will Eat Itself frontman, Clint, met director Darren Aronofsky over two decades ago in New York and started a working partnership with Clint scoring the director’s debut film Pi before going on to score Requiem For A Dream. His latest original motion picture soundtrack is for Loving Vincent - the world’s first fully painted feature film. With around 60 scores under his musical belt the composer’s soundtracks can be heard on Oscar-nominated films like Black Swan and The Wrestler, Noah and Stoker.
51. Steve Martin Wolverhampton Aerospace engineer Working his way up and learning his profession from 16 years old as an engineering apprentice Steve has had a career in the engineering industry spanning 30 years. He has had the privilege to have worked on designing for high profile defence programs and led large engineering teams on defence and civil programs as a Lead Engineer.
52. Ryan McGillicuddy Wolverhampton Director of Starworks Warehouse Ryan opened Starworks Warehouse in 2016. Once the oldest car factory in Europe, Ryan has turned a focal point of industry into a powerhouse of creativity. Starworks continues to change the cultural landscape of the Midlands with regular music festivals, art exhibitions, family weekends and street food events taking place in the heart of the Black Country.
53. Julie McKirdy BEM Sandwell Librarian and community champion Julie has worked for 38 years at Thimblemill Library and her volunteering work within the local community has established Thimblemill as a vibrant arts and cultural hub with live music and theatre events. Julie received the prestigious British Empire Medal award in the Queen’s Birthday Honours in June 2015 for her service to the Bearwood Community and the work she does at Thimblemill to promote literacy, equality, diversity and inclusion.
63. Nitisha Patel
54. Hanifa McQueen Hudson Wolverhampton Breakdancer
Wolverhampton Chef As a young and ambitious chef Nitisha has been working in the food industry since she was 16. With a combination of passion, ambition, and love for food, she has progressed from cafes to fine dining restaurants to developing ready meals for most of the UK supermarkets and recently launched her own cookery book.
Hanifa, aka B-girl Bubbles, shot to fame as the UK’s first female B-girl with her amazing moves appearing in hit music videos and adverts. While taking the world by storm she soon caught the attention of global sports brands Adidas and Puma who sponsored her back in the 80s.
64. Jeet Pawar
55. Neelam Meetcha Wolverhampton Gift wrapping expert Entrepreneur Neelam is an acclaimed expert within the creative gift wrapping and paper craft industry and is a regular expert presenter on crafting TV channels across the UK and online. Neelam is a regular guest speaker at some of the largest craft fairs in the UK and was featured in a BBC Christmas advert alongside Will.I.Am.
56. Dean Melbourne Stourbridge Fine art painter Dean has been a professional painter for 20 years and has exhibited internationally. His paintings are described as ‘invitations into secret, forgotten and imagined places, places where nature runs wild and people live at the very edges of life’. He takes inspiration from the natural landscape in the countryside near his home in Stourbridge.
57. Moses Murandu Wolverhampton Medical pioneer Transforming the way health practitioners think about healing wounds has been a goal of University of Wolverhampton Senior Lecturer Dr Murandu for many years. He discovered that the much-used treatment of using sugar to help heal wounds in his home of Zimbabwe wasn’t one that was practiced here in the UK. In March 2017 he won the Best Research from a Developing Country at the Journal of Wound Care Awards.
58. John Neave Wolverhampton Typesetter After leaving College John’s father helped him build a shed in the backyard of their house in Gordon Street, where on an antique letter press machine he started, what was in those days, the very competitive business of printing. John has been typesetting and printing ever since, working from a shop he purchased in 1973. He even produced our wonderful Masters logo.
59. Tony & Marie Newton Walsall Gardeners Tony & Marie created the world famous ‘Four Season Gardens’ in Walsall opening their beautiful garden for charity days. They have raised over £44,000 over the past 10 years and have become award-winning gardeners.
60. Michelle Norris Dudley Army Private Lance Corporal Michelle Norris is the first woman to be awarded the Military Cross, while attached to The Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment in Iraq. She was awarded her medal personally by Queen Elizabeth II on 21 March 2007 as the result of her brave actions in Iraq on 11 June 2006.
Sandwell Desi pub landlord Jeet is one of the first landlords in the Black Country to set up a Desi Pub in the early 80’s. He has been highly influential in the evolution of over 50 Asian Pubs which serve traditional curries alongside local ales. Jeet regenerated the Red Lion (a former National Front meeting point) into a family friendly and highly enterprising Desi Pub with an experienced catering team from India and Nepal.
65. David Pearce Walsall £1 coin designer At the end of March 2017 a new 12-sided £1 coin went into public circulation marking a very exciting time for Walsall’s David Pearce; because it is his design that was chosen to appear on the tails side of the coin. The design features a shamrock, thistle, rose and a leek held within a Royal Coronet to represent all parts of the UK.
66. Luke Perry Dudley Sculptural artist
61. Erin O’Connor Walsall Model Karl Lagerfeld described Erin as “one of the best models in the world” and when she first appeared in an i-D editorial, shot by Juergen Teller in 1996, she became the go-to fashion icon. In 2009 she co-founded All Walks Beyond the Catwalk, alongside Caryn Franklin and Debra Bourne, an awardwinning initiative that set out to challenge the fashion industry’s dependence on the unachievable and limited body and beauty ideals.
62. Cornelia Parker Wolverhampton Artist Cornelia is a decorated artist who studied at Wolverhampton Polytechnic during the mid-‘70s. To celebrate the 800th anniversary of the Magna Carta, she created a hand embroidered representation of the Wikipedia article Magna Carta as it was on 15 June 2014, and in 2016 she became the first female artist to be commissioned to create a new work for the Roof Garden of the Met in New York, creating a scaled down replica of the house from the 1960 Hitchcock film ‘Psycho’.
Sandwell Wolverhampton Dudley Walsall
If you’ve shopped in Stourbridge, walked past St Peter’s Church in Cradley Heath or taken a stroll
PROGRAMME Saturday 25th November, 11am until late Free entry
Starworks Warehouse, Frederick Street, Wolverhampton, WV2
Creative Black Country
urban hax
bar Desi Pub
gallery
main Stage
digbeth dining club
masters village
the Deceptive Gift
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Experience virtual reality, 3D scanning, interactive projection mapping and soundscaping fun with digital mavericks, Urban Hax.
Gather around the main stage for Masterclasses, talks and demos
film
Culinary master, James Swinburne of Digbeth Dining Club invites some of his favourite street food vendors for you to enjoy.
See a special performance by Amelia Beavis-Harrison with master Dhol Drummer Parv Kaur and Chef Nitisha Patel
A specially created Masters Village exhibiting artwork, craft and products including Turner Prize winning artists and the world’s greatest ever microsculptor.
Sit back and enjoy screenings from Flatpack with a film playlist inspired by the Black Country’s 100 Masters.
See Masters at work through a camera lens as photographer Laura Dicken documents workspaces of the Black Country’s master makers.
Master landlord Jeet and friends pop up a desi pub, entertaining you with a bhangra party as they launch a limited edition of the desi pub book, the Black Country’s curry pub revolution.
What’s On Saturday 25th November All day Culinary master, James Swinburne of Digbeth Dining Club invites some of his favourite street food vendors for you to enjoy. Master landlord Jeet and friends pop up a desi pub, entertaining you with a bhangra party as they launch a limited edition of the desi pub book, the Black Country’s curry pub revolution. See Masters at work through a camera lens as photographer Laura Dicken documents workspaces of the Black Country’s master makers. A specially created Masters Village exhibiting artwork, craft and products including Turner Prize winning artists and the world’s greatest ever microsculptor. Beer enthusiasts delight as head brewer of Fixed Wheel Brewery, Scott Povey, keeps you fuelled with a selection of his award-winning ales. Experience virtual reality, 3D scanning, interactive projection mapping and soundscaping fun with digital mavericks, Urban Hax. Sit back and enjoy screenings from Flatpack with a film playlist inspired by the Black Country’s 100 Masters.
11am (onwards) Join a Rangoli workshop with Ranbir Kaur Hear unique storytelling from Emma Purshouse Listen to poetry with Brendan Hawthorne Take part in Flatpack’s special festival workshops
1pm See a master at work with live painting from renowned artist, Dean Melbourne Hear Light House projectionist Jas Kapur’s engaging cinema talk
2pm Watch an invigorating Dhol drumming performance from Parv Kaur
3pm Get festive with carol songs by choir master, Conrad Gayle
3.30pm Join DJ & Presenter Bobby Friction for a unique insight in to Desi Pubs
4pm See a special performance by Amelia Beavis-Harrison with master Dhol Drummer Parv Kaur and Chef Nitisha Patel
4.30pm Join in with a pub quiz featuring record-breaking pub expert Peter Hill, hosted by BBC presenter Adrian Goldberg Get ready to dance as BBC DJ Jenny Wilkes shares her Motown favourites
6pm In conversation with Sathnam Sanghera, author of ‘The Boy with the Top Knot’ recently televised by BBC 2
7pm Gift wrapping masterclass by paper craft expert to the stars, Neelam Meetcha Special guest DJ Set (until 10pm)
8pm Be thoroughly entertained with stand-up from Edinburgh Comedy Festival award-winner Masai Graham Please note timings will vary on the day, please see up-to-date schedule at the venue or at 100masters.co.uk
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around Titford Pools Canal in Oldbury then you have probably seen the work of Luke Perry. Luke feels passionate about his Black Country heritage and for the last 12 years he has produced over 150 large-scale public artworks about under-represented people, paying homage to local industry, history and heritage.
67. Hugh Porter Wolverhampton Cyclist and commentator From winning four world pursuit titles (a record still unbeaten today) to commentating on every British Olympic cycling medal in the modern era, Hugh has experienced all aspects of cycling. Hugh is also widely known for commentating on some of the biggest races for the BBC and became synonymous with the rush of cycling gold medals at London 2012.
68. Scott Povey Dudley Head Brewer Head Brewer of the award-winning Fixed Wheel Brewery Scott can often be spotted with his trademark woolly hat either at his Blackheath brewery or at many of the beer festivals he attends. Since it opened the brewery has gone from strength-to-strength winning multiple awards and is heralded by real aficionados far and wide as one of the finest breweries in the country.
69. Emma Purshouse Wolverhampton Poet Emma is a poetry slam champion and performs regularly at spoken word nights far and wide. She has supported the likes of John Hegley, Holly McNish and Carol Ann Duffy. In 2016, Emma’s first collection of children’s poetry was produced by Fair Acre Press. This dyslexia-friendly book is aimed at 6 to 11 year-olds and won the poetry section of the Rubery Book Award.
71. Sharmadean Reid MBE Wolverhampton Entrepreneur
“Sleep is for billionaires and you ain’t there yet”
Sharmadean’s WAH Nails brand changed the face of nail culture and beauty by offering a millennial owned, grassroots, community face to the beauty business. From working with top fashion brands and stores to opening a successful salon in Topshop Oxford Circus for 4 years, then launching a product line distributed in Boots UK (selling £1.2million worth of nail products in its first year), to writing the best-selling WAH Book of Nail Art, WAH now has a brand new salon in Soho, Central London.
leading contemporary menswear brand with a following stretching far and wide.
74. Sathnam Sanghera Wolverhampton Writer From Wolverhampton Grammar School to Christ’s College, Cambridge and on to The Times, award-winning journalist and author Sathnam has become one of the city’s most famous literary sons. His debut book, The Boy With The Topknot: A Memoir of Love, Secrets and Lies in Wolverhampton, has been adapted for the BBC and was shortlisted for several high profile literary awards.
75. Kuldeep K Shergill Sandwell Volunteer
72. Drew Roper Walsall Animator
70. Tanya Raabe-Webber Wolverhampton Portrait artist
Yamination studios are the embodiment of Walsall-born founder Drew - a multi-award winning stop motion director, producer, and animator, he’s behind (almost) everything that goes out of their swinging doors. The studio covers all aspects of production within its walls, thriving on creativity and innovation.
73. Luke Roper
Tanya is an acclaimed artist challenging the notion of identity within contemporary portraiture, often creating portraits of high profile disabled people during live sittings. The winner of Ability Media International Award, Visual Arts and DaDa International Festival, Visual Arts Award.
Walsall Fashion Designer Worn by celebrities high street brand LUKE was the winner of the ‘Young Fashion Brand of the Year 2010,’ and a regular in the Drapers top five best performing British Menswear brands. Along with stores in Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Leicester, London and Manchester Luke has come a long way and has developed into a
Kuldeep has dedicated the last 30 years as a volunteer at the gurdwara in Smethwick making food to share in the free kitchen and helping with the up keep of the gurdwara. She goes out of her way to cook food for those that conduct prayers and is well known for her ladoos and jalebi.
76. Ellie Simmonds OBE Walsall Swimmer
“You only live once and you need to enjoy life to go out and achieve whatever you want to”.
A household name from the age of 13, when she won her first medal, Ellie has been breaking records year-on-year. Learning to swim from the age of five the Paralympic Champion has numerous World records to her name.
77. Balbir Singh Sandwell Singer Guinness Book Of World Records holder Balbir Singh is the longest remaining member of the world’s longest-running Bhangra band: the Bhujhangy Group, who started their musical journey way back in 1967. The Smethwick based band have, to date, recorded a staggering 50 albums and over 400 songs.
78. Sardara Singh Gill Sandwell Punjabi folk singer Saradara is the lead singer of the band, Apna Sangeet. One of the earliest Bhangra bands in England, Apna Sangeet created a modern dance music style that incorporates elements of Hindi, ghazal, geet, and kala music. Apna Sangeet Vajeh Apna Sangeet was recently voted the greatest ever Bhangra Anthem by BBC Asian Network.
James is one-half of Digbeth Dining Club who are pioneering a culinary revolution that has gripped the Midlands. Say goodbye to stale old sandwiches and greasy burgers and say hello to tapas, macaroni cheese, Thai sweet chili noodles, pancakes, waffles, steak and much more. James knows good eating and has been a massive influence on the diet of the Black Country and surrounding areas.
generation he has had solo shows in UK and USA and has been collected by the National Portrait Gallery, Westminster Palace, House of Commons and House of Lords and The Smithsonian Institute.
83. Aid Tams
86. Gemma Todd
Walsall Hairstylist Aid founded the award-winning chain of salons Bad Apple Hair back in 2006. The brand is all about hospitality and cutting-edge talent, with razorsharp precision, the professional team considers shape, colour and texture as they work with clients to cut the best hairstyle keeping it fresh for each season of the year.
Walsall Author and librarian When literally surrounded by books it is no wonder inspiration took hold of Gemma to put pen to paper and write her own novel, Defender. While others dream of becoming a best-selling author Gemma is well on her way with a six-figure sum for a four-book deal from one of the UK’s biggest publishers.
84. Lorraine Taylor & Nicky Smart Walsall Ceramicists
87. Geoff Townsend Dudley Potter Geoff has dedicated his spare time passing on his skills and knowledge to countless local people for the last 40-50 years teaching in colleges and on summer courses. For the last 37 years, he has organised a pottery festival day in Sedgley inviting famous and respected potters from around the world to share their knowledge and practice.
79. Dalbir Singh Rattan Sandwell Tabla player Dal is regarded as one of the most respected Tabla players from the UK. He has toured the world with a number of great artists (Ian Brown, Richard Ashcroft, Ocean Colour Scene, Noel Gallagher) but when he’s not doing this, back home in the Black Country, he has dedicated the other half of his career to the education of Tabla and drum to students in Sandwell.
88. Rachel Trevor-Morgan Dudley Milliner
80. Jorja Smith Walsall Musician One of 15 artists selected for the BBC’s Sound of 2017 long list Jorja (who came 4th) was named as one of the top 10 artists to watch in 2017 by FACT magazine. More recently she has been shortlisted for 3 MOBO awards.
81. Jodie Stimpson Sandwell Professional Triathlete In 2013 Jodie finished runner-up in the ITU World Triathlon Series and was also Aquathlon World Champion of the year 2006, U23 vice Triathlon World Champion of the year 2008, 2009 British Triathlon Champion and 2010 British Triathlon Super Series winner.
82. James Swinburne Wolverhampton Street Food
Each piece in the range produced by Lorraine and Nicky has several layers of glaze added to create both colour and texture which gives a ‘super real’ effect to their pieces. Their influences lie in trompe l’oeil and early still life paintings of fruits, which demonstrates the beauty of the organic forms along with the accuracy and detail required to represent the ‘real thing’.
85. Andrew Tift Walsall Artist Figurative realist portrait painter Andrew Tift has amassed a wealth of impressive awards for his stunning works including the prestigious BP Portrait Award. Recognised as one of the leading portrait painters of his
Sandwell Wolverhampton Dudley Walsall
A British milliner best known for the hats she creates for the Queen, in 2014 Rachel was granted a Royal Warrant. Each piece of headwear produced is handmade and Rachel is renowned for her beautiful handwork, timeless designs and stunning quality.
89. David Tristram Dudley Writer If you live in or around the Black Country then you will have found it hard to miss the infamous Doreen Tipton. Doreen has become a YouTube sensation thanks to her blunt, direct and brutally honest comedy take on anything from politics to Benefits Street. The writer behind the character is playwright David Tristram who, along with Cheslyn Hay actress Gill Jordan, bring their dark and hilarious Black Country humour and observations to the character.
Nicole Kidman and Colin Firth. It’s almost the stuff of fantasy fiction but this is exactly what happened to Stourbridge-born author Steve Watson when he released his debut novel - Before I Go To Sleep.
94. Gillian Wearing OBE Sandwell Artist Turner prize-winning conceptual artist Gillian Wearing came to the fore as one of the Young British Artists becoming one of the biggest names in the UK art scene. While her work has taken her across the globe she came back to the Midlands in 2014 to unveil her public sculpture commission with Ikon Gallery that was placed outside of the Library of Birmingham. A Real Birmingham Family saw thousands of people put themselves forward to represent family life in the city for a permanent sculpture.
95. Daniel Westwood Dudley Art Director
97. Willard Wigan Wolverhampton Micro-sculptor Willard’s micro-sculptures are so minute that they are only visible through a microscope, each piece commonly sitting within the eye of a needle, or on a pinhead. The personal sacrifices involved in creating such wondrous, yet scarcely believable pieces are inconceivable to most. Willard enters a meditative state in which his heartbeat is slowed, allowing him to reduce hand tremors and sculpt between pulse beats. Even the reverberation caused by outside traffic can affect Willard’s work.
90. Geoff Tristram Stourbridge Illustrator Geoff has been a highly successful professional artist and illustrator for over 40 years as well as a top-flight cartoonist. His work for advertising agencies has seen him produce well-known campaigns that have included postage stamps for the Charles and Diana Royal Wedding, World Cup Football, Miss World and the Winter Olympics.
98. Jenny Wilkes Dudley Radio DJ Jenny is a well-known voice throughout the West Midlands and currently presents The Soul & Motown Show every Sunday afternoon on BBC WM, which has a huge following both locally and globally via the BBC i-player. Jenny is President of Wolverhampton Wanderers Official Supporters’ Club – a position which she was honoured to be invited to take after the death of former President Billy Wright.
91. Alfonso Urso Wolverhampton Ice Cream Man The familiar chime of the ice cream van is a welcome sound of the summer and for Alfonso Urso, his love for the profession has taken on a new passion. For the past few years, Alfonso has been converting old vehicles into traditional 1950’s ice cream van masterpieces.
99. Lofty Wright Walsall Blacksmith Lofty Wright is a traditional blacksmith complete with forge and anvil in his home workshop. As well as making decorative furniture and gates locally, his skillset and creative mind have seen him produce some amazing work due to his traditional roots. In 2010 he was commissioned to produce a piece in Darlaston Park which consisted of a 15ft steel tree with 45 individually produced metal leaves.
92. Jane Ward MBE Wolverhampton Director of Central Youth Theatre As the founding director of Central Youth Theatre, Jane has run the organisation for the past 35 years. Working with more than 2,500 young people on over 220 productions, Jane has created work that ranges from devised, modern, international, heritage and classical work to new writing commissions and film-based projects.
93. SJ Watson Stourbridge Author Imagine joining a writing course, writing a novel that then gets picked up by Richard & Judy’s Book Club, which turns in to a bestselling debut novel (selling more than 4m copies produced in 40 languages), which is then turned in to a Hollywood movie starring
100. Alison Young
Talented freelance digital designer and art director Daniel has stacked up over 10 years experience working in the design and advertising industry working with some very impressive clients along the way. The BBC, Chanel, Coca-Cola, Channel 4, Fiat, Microsoft and Selfridges are just some of the top brands that repeatedly call on him to consult and offer guidance for product design and marketing campaigns.
96. Jordanne Whiley MBE Dudley British wheelchair tennis player Britain’s youngest ever national women’s singles champion in wheelchair tennis Jordanne is Britain’s most successful tennis player, a 10-time grand slam champion and double Paralympic bronze medallist.
Wolverhampton Professional Sailor Alison competed in the 2016 Rio Olympic Sailing (coming eighth place) and is one of the world’s leading radical sailors coming first in the ISAF World Cup. Alison is a keen supporter of Parkinson’s Disease UK and raises funds for the charity by teaching her sport.
BE INSPIRED... . . . m e o p a e writ
Be inspired by our poem by Emma Purshouse
Peter Hill’s Pub Quiz 1. What are the four main ingredients of beer? 2. What is a “dog’s nose”? 3. Which brewer produced ‘Owd Roger’? 4. What does IPA stand for? 5. 20 fluid ounces are the equivalent of how many pints? 6. If you see Plat du Jour on the pub menu what does it mean? 7. On average, how many pints of beer does each adult person drink per year? 8. Which is more fattening, a large ice cream or a large gin and tonic? 9. When were pubs in England and Wales allowed to open all day, for the first time since World War I? 10. Which of these is an effective way of sobering up? A cup of coffee, a cold bath, fresh air or a dose of vitamin C? Answers over the page
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Meet a master...inspired them t a h w t u o d n ďŹ and
. . . e g d e l p a e mak
you will be r e t s a M f o d in k t and decide wha
Draw a pictur
e...
CHECKLIST... I found the Hedgehogs I spoke to a master I took part in a workshop I had my lunch at Digbeth dining club I had a pint from Fixed wheel brewery I bought a ltd edition desi pub book
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Chef Nitisha’s Fragrant Fruit Festive Chutney Ingredients 2 Bramley apples, about 500g, peeled, cored and chopped 3 Large ripe mangoes 100g Sultanas 2 tbsp sunflower oil 10 green cardamom pods 1 cinnamon stick, ½ tsp coriander seeds, lightly crushed ¼ tsp black onion seeds ½ tsp ground turmeric ¼ tsp dried red chilli flakes 200ml white wine vinegar 400g caster sugar 1 tsp salt Method 1) Begin making the chutney by prepping your fruits first (the apples and the mangoes). Once you have peeled, cored and roughly chopped the apples (roughly into 1 inch cubes), cover them with cold water and juice of half a lemon to prevent the apples from browning. 2) To prep your mangoes, using a potato peeler, remove the skin so that you are left with 3 whole peeled mangoes. Then slice each mango in half, gliding your knife gently down the side of the flat stone that runs through the centre. Gently remove the excess flesh still attached to the stone. Roughly chop the flesh into ½ inch cubes.
“My chutney makes the perfect festive treat to give to your family and friends, or why not enjoy at home with some cheese and crackers.” 18
3) In a sauce pan, heat the vegetable oil and add in the cardamom pods, the cinnamon stick. Allow the oil to infuse with the natural spice oils for half a minute. Add in the coriander and black onion seeds and allow to sizzle and crackle in the pan. 4) Next add in the grated ginger, chopped onion and mix well. Add in salt to help the onion cook and soften quicker. Gently sauté the onions until they are golden brown and cooked through 5) Once the onions have softened, add in the powdered turmeric and red chilli flakes. Mix in well. Add in the chopped apples, mix well and allow to cook for 10 minutes or until they start to soften 6) Add in the chopped mango, mix well and cook the mixture for a further 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. 7) Next, add in the white wine vinegar, the sugar and the sultanas. Mix well on a low heat and allow the mixture to come up to gentle simmer for 30 minutes. Stir occasionally so that the mixture does not stick to the bottom of the pan. 8) The mixture should be thick and mushy as oppose to watery. Spoon the mixture into sterilised jars and allow to cool.
For more information see 100masters.co.uk / @100masters / #100Masters 100 Masters is produced by Creative Black Country, Arts Council England’s Creative People and Places Programme, with support from The Space, Starworks Warehouse and Express and Star. Creative People and Places Creative People and Places is about more people taking the lead in choosing, creating and taking part in great art experiences in the places where they live. There are 21 projects across England (including Creative Black Country), each in an area where people have traditionally had fewer opportunities to get involved with the arts.
The Deceptive Gift
Amelia Beavis-Harrison has produced an installation, performance and comic (comic in collaboration with Cat Sims) informed by the personal stories and achievements of five of the women selected for the 100 Masters Project. Each women has, in her own way broken the mould, and competed in male dominated industries to change preconceptions and lay the groundwork for the next generation of women. The performance tells the stories of these women through incorporating elements of their skills into the overall work.
Desi Pubs book now available Desi Pubs is an extroadinary story about migration, food, survival and friendship. Master landlord, Jeet Pawar and his friends, share their stories about the Black Country’s best kept secret, the curry pubs. Desi Pubs is a limited edition book full of fantastic images, artwork and stories about seven landlords and their pub life in the Black Country. Pick up a copy at the Festival of Masters or visit creativeblackcountry.or.uk to find out how to order your copy.
Since 2013 Creative People and Places projects have reached 1.45 million people, 91% of who do not regularly engage in the arts. Read people’s stories of how the arts changed their lives: creativepeopleplaces.org.uk/ people-places-portraits CREDITS Illustrations / augmented reality animations by Juneau Projects All portraits within the Master listings by Laura Dicken, apart from Kuldeep Shergill image which is by Andrea Fernandes. The Red Lion pub sign photograph is by Dee Patel. Publication produced by Kerry O’Coy for Creative Black Country. Peter Hill Pub Quiz ANSWERS Answer 1. Barley, water, yeast, and hops, Answer 2. A glass of ale with gin, Answer 3. Marstons, Answer 4. India Pale Ale, Answer 5. One, Answer 6. Dish of the day, Answer 7. 180, Answer 8. Neither! Both contain around 130 calories, Answer 9. 22nd August 1988, Answer 10. None!
Mastering It They do it with passion, they do it with drive, they do it with love, they do it with pride these product designers, these set decorators, these bakers, these boxers, these make-up sponge makers, these printing press operators and marketing campaigners, these software developers, and these animators. So it’s hats off to the milliners, the paper crafters, to glass blowers, blacksmiths and saddle makers, to hurdlers, artists, and drag car racers, to vehicle restorers, and snooker players, Here’s to the landlords, and experts in pubbing. Here’s to the dohl drummers. Keep drumming. Here’s to the comedians. Continue your punning. Here’s to the DJs. Carry on clubbing. For you do it with passion, you do it with drive, and you do it with love, and you do it with pride. Let’s salute all the soldiers, airwomen, and sailors, fashion icons, beauticians, and costume creators, the photographers, sculptors, and mosaic makers, the glass ceiling breakers, and innovators, the corner shop owners, councillors, and coppers, the b-girls, graffiti artists, and the hip hoppers, these storytellers, singers, poets, and potters, these novelists, writers, cartoonists, and bloggers, because they do it with passion, and they do it with drive. They do it with love, and they do it with pride. Full credit to the projectionists, fund raisers, ceramicists, to the bhangra, rangoli, and am dram artistes, to langar cooks, chefs, and the preparers of feasts, to body builders, cyclists, and the triathletes, to the players of tennis in a wheelchair, to the designers of coin, and the stylists of hair, to the medical pioneers, and the doctors who care, to the fashion designers who decide what we wear, because they do it with passion, they do it with drive, they do it with love, and they do it with pride. Raise a glass to the brewers, shed-builders, and journos, to the grannies who dance, and the heavy rock heroes, to engineers, and to swimmers, to those who compose, to researchers, and the workers of metal and stone, to players of chess, and of tabla, and to library lovers, to the directors, and the producers of CGI stunners, to cactus breeders, gardeners, and hedgehog huggers, to the blind (and the sighted) marathon runners. And now let us toast, to passion and drive, and to doing all that you do with love and with pride. Emma Purshouse