Precious Treasures has been created by Stockwell Good Neighbours, a community group for the over-sixties set up in 1974 to support the local Caribbean community. Members were invited to use a mobile phone to photograph an object, an artefact, that was, in one way or another, precious to them and to say a few words about why they had chosen it.
Cllr Jacqui Dyer, Lambeth’s Cabinet lead for Inclusive Economy and Equalities, said: “We are delighted to be holding this exhibition in the Brixton Library as part of this year’s 75th anniversary. Lambeth is the first home of the Windrush Generation so this exhibition belongs here. It complements the huge range of events across our borough to mark Windrush 75.”
The result is an exhibition comprising 22 photographs and personal stories, as well as a set of photographs taken by award-winning local photographer, Jim Grover, that bring to life the vibrant and Stockwell Good Neighbours community.
The members’ stories are moving, such as Hyacinth Brown’s first gift for her mother on Mother’s Day in 1962, revealing, such as Audrey Smart’s arrival in 1955, celebratory, such as Bertram Dixon’s Maundy Money, and uplfting, such as the story behind Delores Robinson’s ring.
Lesley Allen, who leads the Stockwell Good Neighbours said: “I am so proud to be able to showcase the personal stories and experiences of this remarkable and inspiring group of elders, and in such a simple and moving way.”
Photographer, Jim Grover, who orchestrated this exhibition said, “I so enjoy working with people to create powerful and engaging stories with just a mobile phone and a few words. A photo of a ‘Dutch Pot’, a traditional cooking pot typically passed down the generations, is elevated to a moving story when you read Viv Jonas’s words that accompany it.
“These strong women, who typically came here in the 1950s and 1960s and who are now mostly in their seventies and eighties, have so many moving stories to share.”
