Windrush Art Exhibition debuts at Birmingham Retirement Village
An opening night celebration has been held to introduce an emotive Windrush art exhibition. Pannel Croft Retirement Village in Birmingham is hosting the exhibition, open to the public.
Crowds gathered to explore the space which follows a larger scale event at the Mailbox Birmingham last year co-curated by Craftspace with Rose Sinclair MBE who returned as a guest speaker at the celebration.
The smaller, intimate display is now open to the general public until 28th July from 10am to 2pm daily. The opening night featured the WAWI project and a Windrush flag parade.
The display showcases a range of artworks and personal artifacts that highlight the rich heritage and stories of the Windrush generation. Content from a resident craft group alongside an art installation curated by Craftspace has transformed Pannel Croft Village‘s old library space.
Denim outfits designed and created by Sheahan Steele and Windrush memorabilia were on display.
WAWI Project representative, Rose Sinclair MBE, ExtraCare CEO Mick Laverty and Resident Millie
Pannel Croft resident, and dressmaker Adlyn and the dress she contributed.
Pannel Croft resident, and dressmaker Adlyn contributed a dress on display that she brought with her from Jamaica, the dress was tailored to fit her and is in wonderful condition despite being over 60 years old!
Attendees to the exhibition will be able to turn their hand to weaving, knitting and crochet using materials, tools and instructions available on a resource table.
Deirdre Figueiredo MBE, Director of Craftspace comments, “The textile wall panel created with Pannel Croft residents recognises the contribution they made through their professions and names the Windrush passengers who came to the Midlands with a craft skill. Celebrating the skills that Caribbean people brought with them shows the continued role of craft and textiles in shaping the legacy for new generations. This unique perspective from a lens of textile, fashion and community making acknowledges the significant contribution of Caribbean people to public life and culture in the UK.”
Resident Millie commented, “As a descendent of Windrush I now talk to my grandchildren about the contribution their Great Grandmother and other West Indians made to this country. Bringing them awareness of their culture and history, my grandchildren now have a great understanding of the legacy.”
The exhibition celebrates the artistic contributions of the Windrush generation and provides a vibrant, welcoming space for community engagement and education. Visitors are encouraged to immerse themselves in the stories and creativity that have shaped the Caribbean community in the UK.
The event will be open to the public at the retirement village until 28th July with free entry from 10am to 2pm daily.
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