MY FAVOURITE (CHRISTIAN) THINGS

Christians, they were packing up their lives in a suitcase or ‘grip’, as they were called.

For some, the idea was to return ‘home’ after five years. (Why was it always five years?) Many were planning to stay with someone who was just a ‘name’ in their address book. For others, it was to start a career in nursing, on London Transport, or in one of the many fields in which the hopefuls assisted in rejuvenating post-war Britain. Even more poignant was the number of returning passengers who had already risked life and limb in serving King and country in World War Two.

as the family relaxed together after a hearty meal of cook-up rice and curry chicken. Whatever the object, what is the story and the meaning you associate with it?

At the moment, I am creating an exhibition which seeks to commemorate the Caribbean Windrush pioneers those young hopefuls, many of whom were Christians who boarded the Empire Windrush (and subsequent ships, planes, etc) to arrive in a new homeland to explore exciting opportunities, filled with the desire to succeed. For many of these

I often wonder to myself whether these Christians had favourite objects that accompanied them on their travels? Did they hold onto those items, ensuring they had a link with their homeland, or hoping those items would help them remain positive or keep the faith? What is more, did they pass those objects on to the next generations as proverbial batons, so that the blessings would continue?

I would encourage Christians to go into their attics, sheds and cellars to find those ‘favourite things’ that tell the Windrush story. Far too many precious items are being lost to house clearances or antique shops. Through objects, we make connections with the present, but even more importantly with the past, especially as a way of engaging with relatives who are elderly or no longer with us.

Lily Reddie is a curator and an Arts and Culture enthusiast. She has a real interest in photography, particularly taking photos and curating old ones. She worships at St James’, West Streatham, south London. You can connect with her on Instagram @curatorsdelight