ABP, Autograph

Autograph ABP (formerly Association of Black Photographers) was founded in London in 1988 by Sunil Gupta, Monika Baker, Roshini Kempadoo and Rotimi Fani-Kayode with the aim of supporting and sponsoring black artists and photographers in Britain and around the world. Employing several high profile directors, including cultural theorist Professor Stuart Hall, they wanted to generate a forum “to make black photography a central issue of photographic practice.” The organisation achieved this through exhibitions, commissions, residencies, awards and publications. Major exhibitors include Ghanaian photojournalist James Barnor and Nigerian/British fine-art photographer Rotimi Fani-Kayode.

Currently, Autography ABP is based in Rivington Place Gallery, London alongside their sister organisation iniVA (Institute of the International Visual Arts). While they continue with their core aims they have expanded their profile to include other advocacy work for human rights organisations.

From the guide to the Autograph ABP, 1994-2004, (Special Collections, Brunel University Library)