A young artist’s debut exhibition will feature as part of Black History Month celebrations.

Aaron Samuel, 20, of Durban Road, Walthamstow, is presenting Grey Shades of Black, a collection of pencil drawings of iconic black figures such as Usain Bolt and Bob Marley.

Mr Samuel is also hoping to draw attention to less well-known figures.

He has included Robert Collins, a man who freed himself and his family from slavery, and Hiram Rhodes, the first black person in America’s House of Representatives.

The show also includes Rihanna and Whitney Houston.

Mr Samuel said:“I just chose the icons that I liked, that have influenced me.

“I’ve drawn figures that people don’t know so well so it will educate them a bit.”

The free exhibition is being held at Winns Gallery in Lloyd Park every day this week from 11am to 3pm.