Behind the Campaign: Akinola Davies

Akinola Davies
The Tutamen campaign takes inspiration from The Royal Mint’s history of portraiture on coins, featuring creative personalities who embody modern Britain, including BAFTA nominated and Sundance award winning film maker Akinola Davies.

Akinola Davies Jr. is a multi-disciplinary filmmaker, writer and video artist. Davies was awarded the 2021 Sundance Grand Jury Prize for his debut short film ‘Lizard’ and was also nominated for Best British Short Film: 2021 BAFTAS. Alongside his narrative practice, he works to repurpose archives and establish dialogues in diverse communities, including (but not limited to) Northern and Southern Nigeria, Ghana, UK and USA.  

Davies practice celebrates marginalised communities, particularly the most disengaged, prioritising these discourses by building bridges between elder and younger generations and re-establishing ancestral dialogue.
He is dedicated to honouring the stories of the foremothers and fathers of these communities whilst learning from younger generations. His approach is intergenerational, focused on memory and oral tradition, and seeks to translate these histories and lived experiences into the moving image.
Akinola’s work can be viewed here Akinola Davies Jr., and follow via Instagram at Akinola (@akinoladaviesjr) • Instagram photos and videos 
886 Royal Mint Necklaces Tutamen Stack Necklace Silver

Tutamen

The new Tutamen jewellery range takes its name from the Latin inscription ‘Decus et Tutamen’ which first appeared on the edge of 17th century British coins, translating as ‘an ornament and a safeguard’.

886 Royal Mint Necklaces Tutamen Stack Necklace Silver