A new exhibition celebrating the artistry, craftsmanship, and tenacity of Britain’s Romani communities has debuted at the London Museum Docklands in West India Quay.
Entitled “By Appointment Only,” this showcase features three British Romani artists whose works aim to confront stereotypes while promoting understanding and connection.
The presence of Romani communities in Britain dates back to the early 1500s; however, as recently as the 1990s, signs in pubs and restaurants often stated, “No travellers or gypsies allowed.” This sentiment later transformed into “Travellers by appointment only,” which inspired the title of the exhibition.
Corrina Eastwood, co-curator and artist, described her experience working on the exhibition as a profoundly significant personal and professional journey. She expressed, “The need to genuinely honor oneself, family, community, and culture has been both a poignant and at times overwhelming undertaking. However, we have managed to address this by intertwining shared histories, amassed through traditional archiving and a creative, art-focused approach.”
Eastwood’s artwork, “Sugar Coated,” reflects on her origins and the memories of her deceased father, featuring 3D-printed casts of his hands.
Delaine Le Bas contributes with “Tap Your Heels Together Three Times,” which delves into themes of belonging, gender, and contemporary society. Her work draws inspiration from her family’s legacy and Romani customs, such as rag-and-bone dealing, where individuals collected unwanted household items like rags, bones, and scrap metal for resale and recycling.
Artist Dan Turner from south-east London explores the connection between Romani culture and mainstream British society, integrating traditional Romani crafts that were historically sold door to door into his creations.
In addition to the artworks, the exhibition features a film by Historic England, “Searching for Romani Gypsy Heritage,” directed by award-winning filmmaker John-Henry Phillips. This film chronicles the history of Romani communities from 500 AD to 2022.
The Reflections Room, located on the second floor of the London Museum Docklands, is free to the public along with the rest of the museum. Eastwood characterized this space as a “beautifully human alternative for recognizing significant, often overlooked histories.”
