DATE: May 2024

This extraordinary exhibition of the ordinary showcases 70 items that connect us to the  Windrush Generation, objects that combined familiarity and practicality, and passed down the generations. ‘70 Objeks & Tings’, a small but powerful exhibition brought to York by Museumand, The National Caribbean Heritage Museum, opens from 19 June at the York Castle Museum. 

Museumand is founded by mother and daughter team Catherine Ross and Lynda Burrell and these inspiring women have created this unique travelling exhibition as a fun and informative way to share more about the Windrush Generation and their descendants. This exhibition, which celebrates the 75th anniversary of Windrush, is a chance to explore their experiences and lives through cooking and household goods, food packaging and beauty supplies, funeral items, music, games, books, newspapers and more.  ‘Objeks & Tings’ is accompanied by a hardback book by Catherine and Lynda, available in the York Castle Museum shop and a fantastic podcast.    

Catherine Ross, Founder Director at Museumand says: “We are so elated to bring ‘Objeks & Tings’ to York. As aspects of Caribbean culture are so entwined with British culture and Yorkshire’s cultural traditions especially, this leg of our tour across the UK is particularly exciting for us. We hope to eke out more stories from people of the Caribbean diaspora and others that know about the islands and their peoples. Together, with York Museums Trust, we hope from our time in York, we will be able to add new stories and information from people of the Caribbean diaspora in York and the surrounding areas to the growing archive of the Caribbean presence and contribution to British life.” 

Philip Newton, Community Participation Manager at York Museums Trust adds: “What an insight into the lives of this generation this exhibition gives us. Little pieces of the Caribbean which arrived on the landing of SS Empire Windrush at Tilbury Docks on 22 June 1948, carrying passengers from the Caribbean who had been invited by Britain to help with post-war construction. These items continued to play a part in the new lives that this generation embarked upon, passing them down to their children and incorporating into British identity too. The title, and interpretation, has a nod to patois, a traditional form of language for many Caribbeans, with ‘objeks and tings’ referring to the things that Caribbeans, especially those of the Windrush Generation, hold dear and are important to them. We are really proud to collaborate with Museumand and delighted to bring this gem of an exhibition to York Castle Museum where it’s ethos and inspiration fits well within our displays.” 

‘70 Objeks & Tings’ runs from Wednesday 19 June at the York Castle Museum until 1 November 2024.