This autumn, the Old Royal Naval College will present CORNWALLIS CLOTH, a unique and moving film installation reframing narratives of war through the lens of untold British Caribbean stories from the Second World War.
Created and produced by Sweet Patootee Arts, the 20-minute installation is part of the IWM 14-18 NOW Legacy Fund, a nationwide programme of commissions inspired by the heritage of conflict.
Sweet Patootee Arts is a dynamic non-profit organisation dedicated to uncovering inspiring and diverse real-life stories for international audiences. Founded by Tony T and Rebecca Goldstone, the organisation brings neglected voices into the cultural mainstream with compelling narrative and artistry.
Set in a moonlit tropical garden in Barbados in 1942, CORNWALLIS CLOTH fuses 3D sound design, performance, and archive montage into a vivid Caribbean comedy-melodrama. It captures the atmosphere of war-time life in the British Caribbean, blending satire, calypso, and colonial anthems with themes of loyalty, freedom, and emerging post-colonial identity.
At its heart is the story of Mrs Bonita Skeete (Bonny), a Black woman whose experiences serve as a metaphor for British Caribbean civil rights during WWII. Through her lively encounters with patriots, rebels, black marketeers and everyday civilians, the film revisits the U-boat attack on the SS Cornwallis, rationing, and the perils of looted wartime goods.
“We bring inspiring, compelling and diverse stories of real people to an international audience,” said Tony T and Rebecca Goldstone, co-Artistic Directors of Sweet Patootee Arts. “CORNWALLIS CLOTH crafts history’s neglected voices with fierce beauty, creating a call to arms: journeys from Black British colonial heritage await to be explored.”
The installation is supported by an exhibition at the Old Royal Naval College, providing historical context on the British Caribbean during the Second World War.
“Some scenes were filmed here at the Old Royal Naval College,” said Helen White, Senior Interpretation Manager. “We are delighted to present this important work, which shines a light on oral testimony from Caribbean civilians, Merchant Seamen, and veterans across Britain, Germany, and the US. It is a powerful opportunity to uncover and share these overlooked histories.”
EVENT DETAILS
Title: CORNWALLIS CLOTH Dates: From Saturday 11 October 2025 Venue: Old Royal Naval College, King William Walk, Greenwich, London, SE10 9NN
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