Exploring Romani identity through art at Docklands museum

A new exhibition highlighting the creativity, craftsmanship, and resilience of Britain's Romani communities has opened at the London Museum Docklands in West India Quay. Titled By Appointment Only, the exhibition features works from three British Romani artists, aiming to confront stereotypes while encouraging understanding and connection.

Romani communities have been documented in Britain since the early 1500s. However, as late as the 1990s, it was common to see signs in pubs and restaurants stating: "No travellers or gypsies allowed." This wording eventually evolved into "Travellers by appointment only," inspiring the exhibitions title.

Corrina Eastwood, artist and co-founder of the exhibition, described her involvement as a "profound personal and professional journey." She explained: "The effort to genuinely honour self, family, community, and culture has been both moving and at times overwhelming. Through combining shared histories collected via traditional archiving with an art-centered approach, we have been able to navigate this process."

Eastwoods work, Sugar Coated, reflects on her heritage and memories of her late father, incorporating 3D-printed casts of his hands. Delaine Le Bas contributes Tap Your Heels Together Three Times, exploring themes of belonging, gender, and contemporary life. Her art draws inspiration from family history and Romani customs, including rag-and-bone trading, where unwanted household items were collected for resale or recycling.

Dan Turner, a South-east London artist, examines the intersection of Romani and mainstream British culture in his works, including traditional Romani crafts once sold door-to-door.

Alongside the artworks, the exhibition presents a Historic England film, Searching for Romani Gypsy Heritage, directed by award-winning filmmaker John-Henry Phillips. The film chronicles the history of Romani communities from 500AD to 2022.

The Reflections Room, located on the museums second floor, is accessible for free along with the rest of the London Museum Docklands. Eastwood described it as a "beautifully human alternative space for recognizing important, often overlooked histories."

More information on the exhibition can be found at London Museum Docklands.

Author: Sophia Brooks