St Paul’s Learning Centre to host launch for Garfield McKenzie’s photobook of Bristol’s Windrush Generation

Of the many individuals from what came to be known as the Windrush generation – those arriving in the UK from the Carribean between 1948-1971 – there were far fewer who could have imagined staying.

For many, their assimilation to a new life and a new country was often challenging and frequently hostile, as well as being fraught with the added pressure of trying to support those family members back home who had not made the journey. Yet this intrepid group of people laid the foundation for the generations of Black British communities that followed them.

Photographer Garfield McKenzie’s portraits of the Bristol elders of the Windrush Generation were his way of honouring these individuals, and capturing “their very essence”.

(Top to bottom) Mr Albert Stewart, and Mrs Gloria Watson, from Portraits of the Windrush Generation – photo: Garfield McKenzie

His work has been collected in a new photobook, published by The Real Photography Company – The Pioneers: Portraits of the Bristol Windrush Generation. The collection also includes life stories and reminiscences, collated by Wendy Leocque, who writes: “There is no bitterness from this generation; their capacity for forgiveness shines through.

“The dignity and grace of every individual is evident, just as it was in the photographs taken of many of them on arrival when they were dressed in their Sunday best.

“This body of work is a fitting tribute to those elders whose shoulders we can stand so proudly upon.”

The book will be launched at a celebratory event at St Paul’s Learning Centre on June 22, Windrush Day, also featuring live performance by Bristol Reggae Orchestra, a free Caribbean buffet from Glen’s Kitchen and an opening address from Deputy Mayor Asher Craig.

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Mrs Pearl Quashie-Williams – photo: Garfield McKenzie

Mrs Pearl Quashie-Williams: “When I first came over to the UK, I found it strange that the houses were joined together. Back home we didn’t have our houses joined together. I came in June and it was quite pleasant and I was able to wear the kind of clothes I used to wear back in the Caribbean. When we talk about global warming, I believe in that now, because back then you would need to wear big shoes and thick socks in the winter and there was something known as chillblains and oh my… the itching and scratching.”

Mrs Lyn Collman – photo: Garfield McKenzie

Mrs Lyn Collman: “I was 16 when I came to England, but it wasn’t supposed to be me that came, it should have been my sister. She was two years older than me, her fare was paid for, but she didn’t want to go, so they sent me instead. They didn’t ask if I wanted to go, they just sent me. My suitcase was packed and I was gone. I never saw my mother again.”

The Pioneers: Portraits of the Bristol Windrush Generation, featuring original portraits by Garfield McKenzie, is published now by The Real Photography Company. The book launch and concert is at St Pauls Learning Centre on Windrush Day, June 22 at 1-3pm. Books can be purchased in advance from www.realphotographycompany.co.uk.

Main photo: Garfield McKenzie

Read more: Stories of the Windrush Generation

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