Robeson's work celebrated by exhibition

Paul Robeson, who died in 1976 aged 77, is the subject of a joint exhibition between Wrexham Museum and local college the North East Wales Institute (Newi).

He was a long-standing campaigner against racism, and was the first black artist who refused to perform before segregated audiences.

In 1934, he donated money from a north Wales concert to a mining benevolent fund after an explosion at Gresford colliery near Wrexham.

Two hundred and sixty five men were killed in the incident on 22 September 1934.

Jonathan Gammond from Wrexham Museum said the entertainer had a strong affinity with Wales.

Political views

"He spent a lot of time here during the 1920s and 1930s and he seemed to have a fondness for Wales.

"He also sang in the former Majestic theatre in Wrexham in 1934 - since then the building has been turned into a pub.

"He was seen in some quarters as a controversial character.

"During the Cold War he was banned from travelling and had his passport removed because of his political view points," he said.

He was well-known for his powerful voice - particularly for his rendition of Ol' Man River in Showboat - as well as his stance on human rights.

Before the civil rights movement of the 1960s began, Robeson picketed the White House, started a crusade against lynching and protested against segregated concert audiences.

The exhibition, which runs until March was previously shown at the National Museum and Gallery in Cardiff.

Amongst the many audio recordings of the 20th Century actor, is a signed letter from Nicky Wire from the Manic Street Preachers.

The touring exhibition has been named after one of the Welsh band's earlier recordings - Let Robeson Sing.