[image]
[title]If you’re looking to get the new year off to a flying start, why not spend some time diving into a good exhibition? London Transport Museum’s always got something interesting on, and the latest event on their calendar is no exception. As of February 11, head down to Covent Garden and get ready to learn about (and celebrate) the contributions Caribbean people have made to transport in London over the decades.
Titled 'Legacies: London Transport’s Caribbean Workforce', the exhibition includes accounts from first, second and third-generation Caribbean people, from those who worked for London Transport in the 1950s and 1960s to today’s employees. As well as that, loads of resources have been pooled together to explore the struggles and triumphs of individuals who moved some 7,000km.
Spanning 1956 to 1970, London Transport (as it was known back then) ran a recruitment campaign from Barbados, Trinidad and Jamaica. The UK needed workers to help kick-start the country post-WWII, and many in the Caribbean needed new opportunities. The exhibition doesn't shy away from the difficulties Caribbean workers faced, and makes a point of showing how they were in cases discriminated against, and subject to racism. Which affected them both day-to-day due to low pay, and with promotions and career progression.
That being said, plenty of 'Legacies: London Transport’s Caribbean Workforce' is also dedicated to showing a fascinating and inspiring part of the city's history and especially that of the Caribbean communities that came to the capital, and the influence they have had on the city ever since. A film exploring the long-lasting influences will be included too, and it shall look at cultural events including Notting Hill Carnival.
As a whole, the exhibition consists of historical photography, advertising posters, films, objects and more that show workers on the job (from driving transport to cooking up a storm in the kitchens), enjoying some time off and more.
London Transport Museum has expressed thanks to the TfL Raising Awareness of Culture and Ethnicity (RACE) Staff Network Group, and an Advisory Board of TfL staff of Caribbean Heritage, who have shared resources, expertise, and provided valuable input into the exhibition.
Furthermore, the museum will host a Friday Late on March 18 so you can easily get there after work to catch the new exhibition with friends. There’ll be music, talks and creative workshops to enjoy too. You can get tickets here.
Entry to the exhibition is included in the price of a standard Museum admission ticket, which is £18.50 for adults. Children (aged 17 and under) get to go for free. Buy tickets here.