Jamaica Hidden Histories

Jamaica Hidden Histories

This exhibition, supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, is the culmination of a two-year project to uncover and showcase cultural and historical links between Britain and Jamaica.

“It would be hard to find a better expression not just of Jamaica’s contribution to modern London but of the tragedy, joy and potential of this very special island story.” London Evening Standard.

Departing from Oliver Cromwell’s taking of the island in 1655, and navigating its way through 1962 independence and into the present day, the display charts Jamaican influence on British culture and its economy.

“The Jamaica Hidden Histories project is about all those pages that have been ripped out regarding our cultural heritage.  It’s about all the stories that have been told and not always documented, and the documents that have been written and not always read. It is about the many archives, films, photographs and artefacts, relating to us; hidden away in museums, galleries and within our homes. Through this project, they are brought to light for young people and elders from diverse communities to connect with their own heritage. This project will establish a legacy that future generations can explore and expand upon.” Lorna Holder, Managing Director of Full Spectrum Productions and Curator of Jamaica Hidden Histories

A programme of events runs adjacent to the exhibition, and includes a diverse selection of artist talks, screenings and traditional crafts workshops. Many of the events are free but have limited availability. Book now to avoid disappointment by emailing info@fullspectrumproductions.co.uk

FULL PROGRAMME OF EVENTS

CELEBRATING JAMAICAN MOTHERS
Sunday 15 March, 2pm, SOLD OUT
As part of the annual Mother’s Day celebration, join us in discussion on the important role of Jamaican mothers from the 1950’s to present day in Britain.

ASK THE ARCHIVIST WITH CHARLIE PHILLIPS
Saturday 21 March, 2pm, SOLD OUT
You are encouraged to bring in your own Jamaican artefacts including postcards, letters, photographs, textiles and business archives. Items will be reviewed by experts and may be selected to feature in future exhibitions.

SCHOOL GUIDED TOUR AND PRESENTATION BY YEAR 12 STUDENTS
Thursday 19 March, 11am, FREE
For children and young people aged 9 and above
A guided tour and a talk by Haverstock School students about how they created the pirates and buccaneers hand painted skirts on display.

BLACK RIVER CHOCOLATE TALK
Sunday 29 March,  2pm,  SOLD OUT
In a continuation of exhibition theme ‘Business Language and Marketing’, hear the story of Jamaica’s first own luxury chocolate brand made with 100% of Jamaica’s finest cocoa beans, from the Director Marvia Borrel herself. Black River Chocolate will be available for purchase at the gallery from 29 March.

FAMILY GALLERY TOUR
Friday 10 April, 2-3pm, FREE
For families with children aged 10 and above
Explore the exhibition with a guided tour from one of the Jamaica Hidden History team.

CHILDRENS’ JAMAICAN CRAFT ACTIVITY SESSION
Sunday 12 April, 2-3.30pm
For children aged 11 and above
£5.00 towards the cost of materials
Create your own kites and greeting cards inspired by themes from the exhibition.

LORNA HOLDER: WORKING IN THE FASHION INDUSTRY 1980s – 90s
Tuesday 28 April, 2pm, SOLD OUT
A talk by Jamaican-born designer, Lorna Holder.  Lorna created designs for major chain stores such as Littlewoods, Etam, Berkertex and Lady at Lord John.

She designed the Justine, young fashion, range for the Littlewoods catalogue and created one of the first celebrity fashion endorsements in a main stream catalogue for the Olympian swimmer Sharon Davies. She was Head of Young Fashion at Davies & Field from 1979-1986, in Shoreditch.

TALK BY CHARLIE PHILLIPS
Thursday 30 April, 11am, SOLD OUT
Urban photographer and archivist, Charlie Phillips, will discuss his archive of Jamaican photography.  A selection of his photography will be on display at the exhibition.

TALK BY NEIL KENLOCK:  THE STORY OF ROOT MAGAZINE
Thursday 30 April, 2pm, SOLD OUT
Neil Kenlock, photographer and media professional, speaks about Root Magazine – a modern publication targeted at the black British community, which he co-founded in 1979.

TALK ON THE PHOTOGRAPHER, SIR H.H. JOHNSTON
Tuesday 5 May, 2pm, SOLD OUT
An opportunity to discover the stories behind selected prints from the rarely seen photographic archive of Sir H.H. Johnston (1858-1927).  The talk will be led by Dr, David Lambert, reader on Caribbean History, Warwick University. Johnston captured everyday life in Jamaica at the turn of the 20th century; his scenes of people in rural settings depict a vivid and accurate record of a lifestyle that has changed radically over the past 100 years. Prints of his iconic black & white images will be on sale in partnership with the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG).

CLOSING EVENT
JAMAICA – THE NEXT GENERATION
Saturday 16 May, 2-5pm, SOLD OUT
What’s next for people of Jamaican heritage in the UK?

The Jamaica Hidden Histories project will continue with ‘Independence, Identity & Belonging’ an exhibition at the Drum in Birmingham, June-July 2015 and ‘Sugar Was King’, Sept-Nov 2015 at the New Art Exchange, Nottingham.

Please note: Many of the events are free but have limited availability. Book now to avoid disappointment by emailing info@fullspectrumproductions.co.uk

 

WOULD YOU LIKE TO HOLD AN EVENT ALONG SIDE THIS EXHIBITION?

Find out how you could host an exclusive breakfast or evening reception at gallery@oxo during this event.