London unveiled the first permanent public monument commemorating the Windrush Generation in Hackney today (October 5th).
The sculptures come in the form of three Caribbean fruits and vegetables: Custard Apple, Breadfruit and Soursop.
Artist Veronica Ryan said in a statement, “Cultural visibility and representation evident in public spaces is crucial. I am very happy that my sculptures will be part of this recognition.”
“Ridley Market here in Hackney remains a vibrant place of early excitement going shopping with my mother, I don’t often get along to the market now, but have been so happy to buy some lovely soursops and custard apples on recent visits.”
She added: “I like the fact that the community in Hackney will see some familiar fruit and vegetables represented in the sculptures, and always enjoy these connections.”
The art is one part of the council’s wider public Windrush initiative, which seeks to pay tribute the people who arrived in the UK from the Caribbean between the late 1940s and 1970s, including those who arrived on the ship Empire Windrush in 1948.
Alongside the monuments, the council plans to put on street exhibitions highlighting community stories from the generation and its descendants.
