JAH Trinity - TRAVEL

The spotlight shines brightly on Ropert Gad and Culture Lee, who have both been working together at their Culture Shop in Gloucester, for many years. They have one of the largest collections of African and Caribbean Arts and craft products in the world. The vast majority of products on display are hand made by highly skilled craftsmen. In fact many of the paintings, plaques and badges, were made by themselves.

One of the great things about this large selection is that many items are not mass-produced, but are often one of a kind and exclusive to the customer. This draws large amounts of bargain hunters to the shop looking for special gifts to purchase, from all over the UK.

I personally interviewed both Ropert and Culture Lee separately in their shop and museum, using my video camera. This was a privilege as they are both gifted with a considerable amount of knowledge, and talent, which they shared with me openly. I was taught so much from them that day that it left me in shock!

They have travelled far and wide teaching their drumming and art skills, plus various other talents to children in schools, as well as students and adults alike.

If you happen to be in Gloucester or just visiting, then a trip to The Akoma, African and Caribbean Education Arts Resource Centre (near The Cross) is a MUST! Maximum respect is due to these two pioneers for years.

A true story that I would like to share with you all revolves around this shop. In 1992, I came into this Culture Shop to browse all the fascinating artifacts which is mind blowing to think that all these products were bought and accumulated by Culture Lee and Ropert.

I noticed a beautiful boomerang, which was very authentic and original.

It was hand made with the traditional ochre colouring used in Arnhem Land which is home to thousands of Aboriginal people, in the Northern

I bought the boomerang from Culture Lee and felt glad that I had a “piece of Australia!” We discussed how Aboriginals invented the aerodynamic design to hunt animals. This same design is now used in the wings of Boeing and Airbus aeroplanes. Some boomerangs (not all) are designed to return once thrown at the correct angle. The boomerang that I bought has now returned to its place of origin…Australia!

Here is the magnificent collection of African and Caribbean art and craft products:

UK - CULTURE SHOP IN GLOUCESTER