Windrush Legacy
John Hansard Gallery, part of the University of Southampton, is one of the UK’s leading contemporary art galleries. We support, develop and present great art by outstanding artists from across the world and are proud to play a dynamic role in the cultural life of Southampton and the region.
A curious, connected and inclusive world, inspired by art.
We create extraordinary encounters – connecting people, communities and artists. As a contemporary art gallery in the heart of Southampton, we provide inclusive, collaborative and open spaces for reflection, excitement, challenge and developing potential. Our programme includes exhibitions, commissions, partnerships, learning and research projects that draw on a wide range of perspectives and lived experiences. We are proud to be locally engaged, nationally pioneering and internationally recognised.
John Hansard Gallery is funded by the University of Southampton, its governing body. We are proud to be part of a world-leading University and one of two outstanding arts organisations connected to the University of Southampton, alongside Turner Sims Concert Hall. We are also hugely grateful for the support of Arts Council England, who have funded John Hansard Gallery since its inception. Our exhibitions and educational activities are further supported through additional fundraising each year via trusts, foundations and sponsorship.
Monday 9th October - Friday 15th December 2023
24 hours Monday - Sunday
The Windrush generation, an estimated 500,000 people, arrived in the UK between 1948 and 1971 as British citizens to support post-WWII rebuilding. Southampton, linked to this migration story, received passengers from the Caribbean on a ship called the Almanzora even before the Empire Windrush’s arrival in London.
Oral Histories
In 2021-22, Southampton City Council invited Padmini Broomfield, an oral historian, to record histories of local community members who arrived in the UK between 1948 and 1971. Southampton City Archives holds a significant collection of nearly 50 oral histories from the Windrush Generation, digitized as part of the UK-wide ‘Unlocking Our Sound Heritage Project.’ Around half of these are accessible on the British Library website, while the rest can be listened to by visiting Southampton City Archives. Black Archives South have also gathered 25 more interviews in 2023, awaiting archiving.
Windrush Legacy
Windrush Legacy is a partnership between Black Archives South and John Hansard Gallery, part of the University of Southampton, and Southampton City Council. It celebrates the histories of people of African and Caribbean descent in the UK and aims to preserve and inspire individuals and communities. Local photographer Nosa Malcolm captured portraits of nine interviewees, reflecting what matters to them and their role in the community. Thanks to all participants and their families for their support.
Windrush Stories
To bring the Southampton City Archives Oral History Collection to life and raise awareness, storytellers Amanda Ray Epe and Wendy Shearer have crafted new stories for people of all ages and backgrounds. We encourage you to explore your own histories and cherish everyday stories, whether through photographs, objects, or conversations with loved ones.
More Information
To find out more, or to make an appointment to listen to any of the recordings, contact Southampton City Archives via
city.archives@southampton.gov.uk, or call 023 8083 2251 (Tuesdays and Wednesdays only).
Windrush 75 Pop-Up Display!
Hands-on Humanities Day 2023 | Saturday 18th November 2023, 10:30 – 16:30
Avenue Campus
Building: B65
Alongside Windrush 75, enjoy an exhibition of photographs of local residents who migrated to the UK from the 1960s onwards. Each person took part in an oral history project with Padmini Broomfield in 2021-22 and their portraits were taken by Nosa Malcolm.
A partnership project between John Hansard Gallery, Southampton City Council and Black Archives South.