A public art showcase honoring the Windrush generation has been completely restored and reinstalled in Brixton’s Windrush Square. This follows the vandalism that took place earlier this month. The exhibition, named Windrush: Untold Stories, showcases 18 meaningful portraits that tell the experiences of Caribbean migrants and their descendants who contributed to the shaping of modern Britain.
Local organizations, including the Empathy Museum, Photofusion, Black Cultural Archives, and Born or Made, partnered to create the portraits. According to BrixtonBuzz, the community officially revealed the portraits on 22nd June to commemorate Windrush Day. However, in the early hours of July 3rd, someone vandalized them, slashing the images and defacing them with green paint. Many people believe vandals targeted the artwork for racist reasons.
As reported by The Guardian, organiser Ros Griffiths said, “The exhibition got a lot of attention. Messages of support came in from all over the UK and beyond. This shows the power of truth, visibility, and shared pride.”
Community Support Leads The Restoration For the Windrush Generation
Per The Guardian, a GoFundMe campaign raised around £5,000. However, there is still a shortfall of £15,000 from the initial target. Nonetheless, the organizers went ahead with the restoration on credit. Griffiths emphasized the urgency, saying, “The stories couldn’t wait.”
Organizers carefully returned the artworks to Windrush Square on July 10 and extended the exhibition until July 24. Griffiths appreciated the work of photographer Mustafa Hulusi, saying, “His creative lens captured the humanity, pride and dignity of the Windrush generation and their descendants so beautifully”.
A formal relaunch event took place at the Black Cultural Archives. The community came together again to celebrate the restored portraits. Furthermore, BrixtonBuzz reports that plans are currently underway to relocate the exhibition to the Home Office in London. This is where a permanent display will soon open.
Police arrested a 24-year-old man in connection with the vandalism. According to The Guardian, the man was taken in on suspicion of racially aggravated criminal damage and possession of tools intended for criminal damage. However, police say that the motive has yet to be confirmed.
The Guardian states that Ed Errington from the Empathy Museum described the exhibition as being more than just portraits. “It’s a proud and public celebration of the Windrush generation. It is a space for collective memory, recognition, and resilience.”
The restored artworks are now a symbol of unity and defiance. The portraits serve as a powerful visual reminder that the stories of the Windrush generation will not be silenced.
