A new exhibition celebrating the work of Liverpool charity Mandela8 and the city’s connections with Nelson Mandela is coming to St George’s Hall throughout October.
Mandela8 and Liverpool’s Mandela Story will take over the Stable Gallery from Thursday 1st to Saturday 31st October 2026, with free entry for visitors during Black History Month. The exhibition will be open Monday to Saturday from 10am until 4pm.
The month-long exhibition will look back over Mandela8’s journey and its work with communities across Liverpool 8, alongside the organisations, supporters and funders that have helped the charity develop its projects.
Over the past decade, Mandela8 has worked to continue the humanitarian and social legacy of Nelson Mandela in Liverpool, delivering and supporting initiatives focused on education, young people, community development, equality and social justice.
The exhibition will also explore the wider history of Liverpool’s Black community, from the city’s historic links with Africa and the Americas to the development of campaigns challenging racism and racial injustice.
Visitors will be able to discover more about the growth of Black activism in Liverpool and the city’s role in the campaign against Apartheid in South Africa, including support for the international movement calling for Nelson Mandela’s release.
Liverpool has a longstanding connection with Mandela. The city supported the anti-Apartheid movement and Free Nelson Mandela campaign, while Mandela was awarded the Freedom of the City of Liverpool in 1994.
Mandela8 itself grew from a campaign established in Liverpool 8 following Mandela’s death before formally becoming a charity in 2017. Its original ambition was to create a permanent memorial in Toxteth celebrating Mandela’s life and achievements while providing a space for education, performance, conversation and reflection.
That ambition ultimately became a reality with the creation of the Nelson Mandela Memorial in Princes Park.
Located on the island within the historic Grade II* registered park, the memorial was designed by Wayward and includes a new bridge alongside 32 stone cylinders arranged to evoke a classroom. The installation features words and quotations connected with Mandela and provides a permanent place to reflect on his legacy.
A particularly significant part of the St George’s Hall exhibition will be the Struggle Series, a collection of signed lithographic prints based on five charcoal drawings created by Nelson Mandela.
The works, accompanied by a handwritten motivational statement, were gifted to Mandela8 by Mandela’s daughter, Dr Makaziwe Mandela, in recognition of the charity’s work and the contributions of its partners and supporters.
Featuring hands as a recurring image, the works represent South Africa’s journey from oppression towards democracy.
The exhibition provides an opportunity to discover not only Mandela8’s story but also the people, campaigns and community activism that have helped shape Liverpool’s relationship with Nelson Mandela and the continuing fight against racial injustice.
Sonia Bassey MBE, Chair of Mandela8, said:
“The fight against apartheid in South Africa was a source of hope and inspiration for many of us in Liverpool and still continues to be to this day. This exhibition will be a chance to reflect on the last ten years of campaigning and community work that Mandela8 has carried out in Nelson Mandela’s name and an opportunity to look forward to the future with optimism.”
Kate Melvin, Senior Visitor Experience and Engagement Manager at Liverpool City Council said:
“We are delighted to host the Mandela8 exhibition at St George’s Hall. Celebrating Nelson Mandela’s legacy, the exhibition also highlights the rich contribution of Liverpool’s Black community to the city’s history and culture. Through education and dialogue, Mandela8 continues to inspire future generations with values of equality, dignity and human rights.”
Anti-apartheid activist, Lord Peter Hain said of the memorial:
“I am delighted to see it finally installed as a beacon for education about social justice and human rights.”
Nelson Mandela’s daughter, Dr Makaziwe Mandela, said:
“The Mandela8 Memorial to my Father Nelson Mandela is truly inspirational.”
Mandela8 and Liverpool’s Mandela Story runs at the Stable Gallery, St George’s Hall, from 1st–31st October 2026. Entry is free, with the exhibition open Monday to Saturday, 10am–4pm.
For further information, visit the Liverpool City Halls website.
