A new exhibition at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre will celebrate Black History Month by bringing together the people featured in one of the city’s most famous photographs nearly five decades after it was taken.

Then & Now - Disco in Wolverhampton opens on 4 October and runs throughout the month, showcasing Chris Steele-Perkins’ acclaimed 1978 image Disco In Wolverhampton alongside new portraits of its subjects today.

The original photograph, taken at Wolverhampton’s Culture Centre, has become one of Steele-Perkins’ best-known works. Despite its international recognition, many of the young people pictured have remained anonymous – until now.

The exhibition features contemporary portraits by photographer Johnathan Williams, including reggae artist Macka B, and a display of Blues Dance by renowned artist Claudette Johnson MBE, inspired by one of the photograph’s central figures.

Created to coincide with this year’s Black History Month theme, Honouring Our Communities, the exhibition shines a light on the stories, resilience and cultural legacy of Wolverhampton’s Black community.

Curated by Wolverhampton Grand Theatre’s Tonia Daley-Campbell and Scott Bird, the free exhibition will be on display in the theatre’s Encore Lounge from 4 - 31 October, whenever the venue is open for performances.

Photograph by Chris Steele-Perkins (Magnum Photos)