Windrush: Portraits of a Pioneering Generation honours the accomplishments of the Windrush Generation, the name given to the men and women who arrived in Britain on HMT Empire Windrush in June 1948, and the generations who followed.
Against a backdrop of political change while the country emerged from the ravages of WWII, these men and women took up jobs in various roles, often facing discrimination as they navigated life in a new country and pursued their dream of a better life for them and their families. The portraits, which have become part of the Royal Collection, are a powerful reminder of not just personal resilience and determination, but also of the legacy of these individuals, representing the positive impact of diversity across Britain.
The ten sitters, who are now into their 80s and 90s, include Alford Gardner who helped establish the first Caribbean Cricket Club, which promotes equality and anti-racism, and actor Carmen Munroe OBE who co-founded the Black theatre company, Talawa. It has gone on to become the country’s leading group for nurturing talent of African and Caribbean heritage. Also included are Professor Sir Godfrey (Geoff) Palmer OBE, Scotland’s first Black university professor and Linda Haye OBE who has dedicated her life to youth and community services and was the first woman of colour to be a full-time member of the Police Complaints Authority.
The exhibition is included as part of a visit to the Palace of Holyroodhouse and runs until 18 September 2023. For more details and to book tickets, see the Palace of Holyroodhouse website.
