Watch us Lead. Christopher Samuel.

Watch Us Lead

Exhibition
Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery Christopher Samuel Open Wednesday – Sunday, 10am – 5pm.

About Watch Us Lead

Watch Us Lead is an exhibition about missing stories from history. Through it, artist Christopher Samuel explores themes of stigma, belonging, and agency.

Through 9 newly recorded interviews for the city of Birmingham’s collection, Watch Us Lead highlights the experiences of disabled people of colour in Birmingham, particularly Black individuals: a largely underrepresented group within the community of the city. 

The exhibition combines these stories with stained glass and drawings by Christopher that reflect significant moments in the lives of the individuals featured.

It also includes objects Christopher has selected from Birmingham's own collection, and from the Birmingham-based Midland Mencap Archive, to build a fuller picture of the historic disabled experience in the city.

This exhibition aims to spark conversations around the ongoing issues of under-representation, autonomy, and the real disabled experience.

Commission made possible by 20/20, a 3-year funded programme led by the UAL Decolonising Arts Institute, with funding from Freelands Foundation, Arts Council England and UAL.

Image gallery

  • Stained glass window with 'Watch us Lead Christopher Samuel' above.
  • Stained glass, print and artwork on display.
  • Close up of a stained glass with the text 'Watch Us Lead'.
  • Display cases and portrait photos and drawings beyond.
  • Close up of a drawing and portrait photograph on display.
  • Row of drawings and photographic portraits on display.
  • Drawing and photographic portrait on display.
  • Row of black and white photos.
  • A book of newspaper clippings on display.
  • A selection of black and white photographs on display.
  • A display case with artwork book on display.
  • Display wall with people looking at the stained glass artwork.

You might also like...

  1. A smiling child looks at the camera. She sits at a table and in front of her is a piece of paper. An adult is smiling in the background.

    Arts Club: Summer Fun at the Museum , at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery.

    Every Wednesday in the summer holidays
    Join us for some hands-on summer fun at the Museum!
    DetailsBook now
  2. A child looking at the Benjamin Zephaniah blue plaque a large photo of Benjamin Zephaniah is in the background.

    My First Museum Tour - Summer Holidays , at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery.

    –
    Come and join us at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery for our My First Museum Tour, aimed at young families who would like a child friendly tour of the Museum.
    DetailsBook now
  3. Ozzy Osbourne.
    Exhibition

    Ozzy Osbourne: Working Class Hero , at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery.

    Open 25 June - 28 Sept, 2025. Wednesday - Sunday, 10am - 5pm.
    Celebrating the global lifetime achievements of Birmingham rock legend Ozzy Osbourne.
    Details

Further content for Watch Us Lead