An exhibition in south London, designed to celebrate the history, legacy, and contributions of the Windrush Generation to British society, has been subject to vandalism.

On Thursday, portraits displayed in the Windrush Untold Stories exhibition, located in Windrush Square, Brixton, were damaged.

Friends of Windrush Square condemned the act, asserting it was a “deliberate vandalism” that represented “not only an attack on public art but also a clear manifestation of racial hatred aimed at a community that has significantly enriched the life and culture of the UK.”

The Metropolitan Police reported being notified just after 06:00 BST regarding the vandalism incident. They indicated that officers had spoken with a man, but no arrests were made, and investigations are ongoing.

Sources from the BBC suggest that the incident may be linked to mental health issues.

The exhibition showcases twenty portraits along with personal testimonies from individuals who arrived in the UK from the Caribbean between the late 1940s and 1970s.

Friends of Windrush Square remarked that the vandalism has caused “considerable distress” among local residents, artists, volunteers, and project stakeholders, many of whom have a direct connection to the Windrush legacy.

Ros Griffiths, the chair of Friends of Windrush Square, expressed, “This act is profoundly upsetting and shocking, reflecting a deep racial disrespect.”

She added, “Windrush Untold Stories was established to honor the contributions and resilience of the Windrush Generation, whose narrative is integral to the fabric of British society.

“To see it targeted in such a hateful manner serves as a stark reminder of the persistent challenges we encounter in fostering an inclusive and respectful community.”

The Metropolitan Police further noted that local neighborhood officers have been in communication with the exhibition’s organizer to offer reassurance to the community.