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's Analysis: Understanding Romani Heritage Through Art

The opening of By Appointment Only at the London Museum Docklands is more than an exhibition—it is a vital step in confronting long-standing stereotypes about Britain's Romani communities. By showcasing the work of Corrina Eastwood, Delaine Le Bas, and Dan Turner, the museum highlights both personal and collective narratives that have often been marginalized.

The historical context provided in the exhibition, including the shift from exclusionary signs in the 1990s to the title itself, underscores the persistence of prejudice and the importance of reclaiming cultural identity. Eastwood’s personal connection to her family history, manifested through works like Sugar Coated, adds emotional depth and authenticity to the exhibition.

The inclusion of multimedia elements, such as the Historic England film directed by John-Henry Phillips, allows visitors to engage with Romani history across centuries. The Reflections Room further emphasizes accessibility and reflection, creating a space where often overlooked stories can be recognized and valued.

Overall, the exhibition successfully combines art, history, and personal narrative to foster understanding, challenging visitors to reconsider assumptions about Romani culture and its role in modern Britain.

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• Docklands museum's art explores Romani identity