Honouring Legacy Through Art
On 22 June 1948, after 30 days at sea, 492 commonwealth citizens from Caribbean islands arrived at Tilbury Docks in Essex aboard the ship the HMT Empire Windrush, beginning a transformative chapter in British history. They were part of a generation who answered Britain’s call for help in rebuilding the country after the ravages of World War II.
The term Windrush generation was coined to recognise those who had journeyed from the Caribbean between the late 1940s and 1960s, bringing with them skills, resilience and rich cultural traditions that would fundamentally help to shape modern Britain. Despite facing significant challenges including discrimination and racism, they built lives, families and communities, while contributing immeasurably to healthcare, transport, manufacturing, education, arts and countless other sectors.
This year, to celebrate the Windrush generation and their enduring legacy, Clapton Girls’ Academy created the Windrush: Legacy in Colour initiative which saw the Global Majority Parents’ group of the school apply for, and win, funding from Hackney Council to create a mural inside the school reception.
Unveiled by special guest, acclaimed Gangs of London actress, Pippa Bennett-Warner, the artwork, painted in collaboration with local Hackney artist, Wayne Snooze and Clapton students, is shaped by the real-life stories and experiences of Windrush elders at the Hackney Caribbean Elders Organisation alongside Windrush descendant. It honours heritage, adaptation and continuity while celebrating the enduring impact of Caribbean culture on modern British identity.