The display brings together personal objects and stories from 12 local contributors who have direct or family experience of migration. Together, they have selected around 50 objects that reflect journeys from 11 different countries: India, Italy, Jamaica, Latvia, Lebanon, Poland, Romania, Syria, Turkey, Uganda and Ukraine.
From a Windrush-era sea voyage to Polish and Italian settlement after the Second World War, the display explores what belonging means to people who have made Stroud district their home.
Objects range from precious keepsakes carried across continents to everyday items that reflect the reality of building a new life.
Featuring artworks by Dareth Guthrie, Alina Hamal, Sam Mukumba and Yasemin Wigglesworth, together with photographs of the Italian community by Fulvio Naselli.
These contemporary stories are set alongside historic objects from the museum’s collection, revealing how migration has shaped the district for thousands of years. Stories stretch from the pre-historic Beaker people to 16th century Huguenot refugees, placing today’s experiences in a much wider local context.
This long-term display has been made possible through the generous funding of the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Arts Council England and the Cowle Trust.
Image caption: Carmela Guerrini from Italy, photographed at home in Stroud by Fulvio Naselli.
First Floor (At Home gallery, room 11)
Admission free, donations welcome
