National Trust Exhibition Celebrates the Life of Windrush Generation's Mrs. B
A new exhibition at Birmingham Back to Backs, a National Trust property, is set to honor the life of Mrs. B (Anita Eutedra Bartley), a member of the Windrush generation. The exhibition, opening on Friday, will coincide with the start of Black History Month and showcase Mrs. B's journey from Jamaica to the UK.
Mrs. B's Story: From St. Catherine to Handsworth
Anita Eutedra Bartley, affectionately known as Mrs. B, emigrated from St. Catherine in Jamaica to Handsworth, Birmingham in 1955. The exhibition will feature films, photographs, and personal items, including her collection of colourful hats, each representing a significant moment in her life. Despite her passing in 2020 at the age of 90, visitors will be able to experience her story in her own words, exploring themes of leaving home, facing racism, and building community in the UK.
Exploring Themes of Migration, Racism, and Community
The National Trust aims to shed light on the experiences of the Windrush generation through Mrs. B's personal narrative. The exhibition, curated in partnership with Mrs. B's son-in-law, Peter Grego, will offer "snippets of one person's story" that connect to the broader history of working people who have made their lives in the UK. Grego hopes the exhibition will spark conversations about the contributions of generations of immigrants.
The Windrush Generation: Rebuilding Post-War Britain
The Windrush generation refers to the hundreds of passengers, many of whom were Jamaican, who arrived in the UK on the HMT Empire Windrush in 1948. They were invited to help rebuild Britain after World War II. These individuals, along with others arriving from islands like Trinidad, St. Lucia, Grenada, and Barbados until 1971, became known as the Windrush generation. Many had previously served in the British armed forces. In 2018, it was revealed that the government had mishandled the records of those granted permission to stay, leading to unjust treatment.
"Little Jamaica": A Safe Space and Celebration of Community
Isobel Grove, from Birmingham's Back to Backs, highlights the significance of Mrs. B's home, which her daughter called "little Jamaica." It provided a safe haven from the hostile interactions experienced elsewhere. The exhibition aims to offer a glimpse into this safe space, emphasizing the importance of home and community for those who have migrated to the UK.
