Docklands museum's art explores Romani identity

"London Museum A new exhibition honouring the creativity, craft and resilience of Britain's Romani communities has opened at London Museum Docklands in West India Quay. The display, titled By Appointment Only, showcases three British Romani artists and their pieces which aim to challenge stereotypes and foster better understanding and connection. Romani communities were first recorded in Britain in the early 1500s, but as recently as the 1990s it was still common to see signs in pubs and restaurants reading: "No travellers or gypsies allowed." This phrase later evolved into "Travellers by appointment only", which gives the art exhibition its title."

"Ms Eastwood's piece, titled Sugar Coated, reflects on her heritage and memories of her late father, incorporating 3D-printed casts of his hands. Another piece, Tap Your Heels Together Three Times, by Delaine Le Bas, explores belonging, gender and modernity. Ms Le Bas draws on her family history and Romani traditions such as rag-and-bone dealing - where dealers collected unwanted household items like rags, bones and scrap metal to sell for recycling. London Museum South-east London artist Dan Turner examines the relationship between Romani and mainstream British culture in his work, including traditional Romani crafts once sold door to door."

An exhibition titled By Appointment Only opened at London Museum Docklands, showcasing three British Romani artists to challenge stereotypes and foster understanding. Romani presence in Britain dates to the early 1500s, and discriminatory signs persisted into the 1990s with "No travellers or gypsies allowed," later evolving into "Travellers by appointment only." Corrina Eastwood serves as co-curator and artist, contributing Sugar Coated, which incorporates 3D-printed casts of her late father's hands. Delaine Le Bas's Tap Your Heels Together Three Times examines belonging, gender and modernity and draws on rag-and-bone traditions. Dan Turner examines relations between Romani and mainstream British culture and traditional crafts. The display includes a Historic England film Searching for Romani Gypsy Heritage by John-Henry Phillips.

Read at www.bbc.com