Windrush generation photo exhibition to launch Fairfield Halls

Portrait of a Generation, which received widespread acclaim when exhibition for a limited time at the OXO gallery last year, comprises 60 predominantly black and white pictures captured by award winning social photographer Jim Grover.

Accompanied by narratives of the people featured, the photographs are grouped by themes which encompass the daily lives of the Windrush generation including, community clubs, customs, dancing, the Jamaican family and funerals.

Neil Chandler, Venue and Artistic Director of Fairfield Halls said: “I am thrilled that this very moving and sensitively photographed exhibition will be showcased as part of Fairfield Halls opening programme of events to mark our grand launch.

“I first came across it last year and was struck not only by the stunning images but by the powerful and emotional connection it had on the many who saw it.

“It’s fitting that this exhibition documenting a highly significant episode in British history will have a four-month residency here among Croydon’s richly diverse community and in particular its Caribbean community; this photo story is also their story and it is truly inspiring.”

June 22, 2018 marked the 70th anniversary of the arrival of the SS Empire Windrush at Tilbury docks in 1948.

The ageing merchant ship brought 802 young hopefuls, some two-thirds of whom were Jamaican, to help rebuild Britain in the aftermath of the war.

Portrait of a Generation leads with an opening portrait and personal story from Alford Gardner, now aged 93 and one of the few surviving passengers from the original Empire Windrush voyage.

To coincide with Black History Month this October, she will be making a personal appearance at the Fairfield Halls exhibition to meet and talk with visitors.

The exhibition, running September 19 – January 2020, will be accompanied by a book of the same name, which will be on sale at the venue and available on Amazon.