Wolverhampton Art Gallery is marking the 70th anniversary of Windrush with an important new exhibition.

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Windrush 70 features photographs, artwork, video and memorabilia that has been specially curated to mark 70 years since the arrival of the Empire Windrush in Tilbury Docks on 22 June, 1948, bringing over 1,000 West Indian migrants to Britain.

The exhibition will include a projected slideshow of photographs by acclaimed photographer Nick Hedges, showing Caribbean workers in Black Country industries in the 1970s, as well as previously unseen images capturing the community spirit in Caribbean churches in Wolverhampton during the same period.

Visitors will also be able to see paintings by locally based Jamaican artist Sylbert Bolton, along with vintage video footage of Wolverhampton's African Caribbean Achievers Awards and recorded memories of members of the Windrush Generation - those who arrived in Britain from the West Indies in the post-war period.

In addition, on Saturday 23 June there will be a special screening of A Charmed Life, followed by a question and answer session with political activist and social commentator Patrick Vernon OBE. This event is free, but places are limited to 100.

Councillor John Reynolds, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for City Economy, said: "The anniversary of Windrush is an iconic one and I am pleased that Wolverhampton Art Gallery is going to highlight an unforgettable time in our City's - and our nation's - history."

Windrush 70 is at Wolverhampton Art Gallery, Lichfield Street, Wolverhampton, from Saturday 9 June until Sunday 29 July, 2018. Admission is free and the gallery is open Monday to Saturday from 10.30am to 4.30pm and Sunday from 11am to 4pm. For more details, please visit Type=links;Linkid=9757;Title=Wolverhampton Arts and Culture;Target=_blank;.

  • Wolverhampton's Refugee and Migrant Centre (RMC) and the City of Wolverhampton Council have launched the Paulette Wilson Windrush Citizenship Project to provide specialist advice and support to help residents from the Windrush Generation to gain their rightful citizenship. Residents of Wolverhampton who are unsure of their immigration status and need support and advice can call 01902 311554 between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday, or email julie@rmcentre.org.uk.

  • released: Thursday 31 May, 2018