Celebrating Quobna Ottobah Cugoano at St. James’s Church Piccadilly

Renowned Trinidadian artist Che Lovelace has crafted stunning artworks at the church entrance, welcoming all visitors free of charge, commemorating the 250th anniversary of Quobna Ottobah Cugoano's baptism.

Lovelace's art beautifully captures the essence of Trinidad's people and natural landscapes, blending vibrant colours and striking shapes that evoke both magical realism and the beauty of the natural world.

Quobna Ottobah Cugoano described his personal experience of being trafficked at the age of 13 to work on a plantation in Grenada and bought by a merchant to England where he gained his freedom in 1772, in his book Thoughts and Sentiments on the Evil of Slavery published in 1787.

His baptism, in 1773, was an act which promised his ongoing freedom however he didn’t live long enough to see slavery abolished by the UK Parliament. With his exact dates of birth and death unknown, Cugoano’s baptism on 20 August 1773 at St James’s is the only place and date that is clearly and verifiably part of his story.

Curated by Ekow Eshun and chosen with input from the church community, Lovelace's commission is made possible through the generous support of Dr. Tai-Heng Cheng and Mr. Cole Harrell, American Friends of St. James’s Piccadilly.

Visit St James’s Church Piccadilly and experience captivating artworks in honour of Quobna Ottobah Cugoano's life.