The Real McCoy exhibition celebrated the stories of black inventors.

The exhibition, which is part of a wider scheme called Hidden Figures curated by Ruth McDonald, took place from October 15 to October 19 at the Winter Gardens in Sheffield.

Sarah Joseph-Dasent, an artist selling her work and educating visitors of the exhibition, said: “It’s very important, especially for young people of colour, to know that there are things like this going on.

“They can come and learn facts that they didn’t know before so they can go away knowing that it’s not just Thomas Edison, but there’s also coloured people who have discovered things and made really significant contributions to life.”

The interactive exhibition showcased information and models of inventions by black males and females, telling “long overdue and fascinating stories.”

These included the golf tee, invented by Dr George F. Grant, the spark plug, made by Edmond Berger and the super soaker, created by Lonnie G. Johnson.

Mrs Joseph-Dasent said: “Black inventors have been brushed under the carpet and there’s still a long way to go because there’s not a lot of information about it.

“Black people have made significant contributions to life and technology, yet the general public don’t know about them because it not in any school books.”

Exhibitions will continue throughout Black History Month, with the Hidden Figures project focusing on overlooked black contributors to science, music, design and dance.

The educational pop-up displays will be coupled with stalls and music, with live performers and recorded music featuring every day.

Mrs Joseph-Dasent said: “We mainly live in a white society and that’s the reality, but what people are doing now to try and make it more inclusive is to be commended and we have made a good start.”

The project has partnered with Bradford, Manchester and Nottingham, bringing interactive exhibits to the cities to celebrate Black History Month.