Hennessy: For the Culture


Intriguing exhibition at Somerset House looking at the role of Hennessy  cognac in Black culture and in particular in Grime music.

OK I admit my knowledge of Grime etc is nil so this could sound like a seriously middle aged post! The first part of the show were some great photographs of  musicians by Olivia Rose alongside good “Sound Stations” on which music historian Lloyd Bradley talking about the different styles of music and where it had come from. I must admit those descriptions when straight over my head!

The second part looked at how the relationship between Hennessy and Black music. It was originally discovered by US troops in the First World War who took in back to the jazz clubs of Paris. The company recognised this and aimed its advertising at the Black middle classes and professionals. There were some lovely archive examples of this set up in a display like a bar with high stools.  The first section of the show had talked about the importance of the drink to the current music scene.

Closes 15 September 2019

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