The Dominican Front Room at Watershed

Installed in Watershed throughout October, visitors are invited to peek through the walkway window into an intimate world of nostalgia - a front room full of real Caribbean keepsakes contributed by families who settled in Bristol. A 1960s front room in Britain was a place of both domesticity and formality - precious objects were displayed, records were played, families gathered, albeit only on special occasions, or for guests like the priest or the insurance man. It wouldn't be unusual for the settee to be covered with plastic covers to protect from any spillage. For the Windrush era in Britain, the front room also provided a place for memories of home and a sense of achievement and pride. Curated by award-winning broadcaster Sherrie Eugene-Hart and supported by the longest serving former Black Police Officer Beverley Douglas. The Dominican Front Room project launches a vision for a Windrush celebration in Bristol featuring installations and events that explore the 78 years since Empire HMS Windrush arrived in Tilbury Docks London, carrying 492 Caribbean passengers. This boat marked the first wave of West Indian immigrants to arrive in the UK, many of whom settled in Bristol. A far cry from the tropical paradise they were used to. They were promised a warm welcome but the reality was far from warm. Sadly the 'motherland' was often replaced with racism, discrimination and deprivation. While the Windrush generation shaped the UK we know today, their strength, resilience and contribution is still not celebrated and understood as widely as it should be. The hope is that this installation will form a backdrop to evoke discussion around identity, heritage, resilience and hope building towards next year presenting a whole festival of storytelling through theatre, cinema and discussions. The Dominican Front Room is being funded by the Dominica and Friends Association, E-com Media and Quala Publishing and supported by BCFM Radio and Watershed.