Edith Bellot wearing the traditional costume of Dominica, based on French eighteenth century fashion. 1961 The National Archives reference: INF 10/379
Caribbean through a Lens is a photographic exhibition examining representations of race, culture and identity using archive images of the Caribbean from The National Archives Collection. Interpretations of these images by Caribbean Elders and young people from the local Nottingham area also feature, highlighting the exhibition’s aim of allowing people to reclaim and retell their nation’s history and share personal histories.
The photographs, selected by the local intergenerational community group, recognise the lack of personal stories in traditional archives by ensuring the voice of this community is presented alongside archive images. While it is clear that the imagery stimulates nostalgic moments from the past, the exhibition also asks visitors to question how accurately an archive can truly represent a history.
Learning and Community Engagement Co-ordinator, Glenis Williams said the group were more than happy to express their thoughts on what these archive images meant to them.
“The year-long project of engaging with the community and capturing these interpretations aimed to explore the notion of the archive and provided an opportunity for those communities depicted in the archive to reclaim a voice in the way their histories are told,” she said.
“How we read photographs also plays a vital role in the way we see and make judgements about what is happening and what messages are conveyed. How we interpret a photograph is linked to our personal connections with place and the assumptions we make between the photographer and sitter/subject.”
The National Archive has been working with community groups nationally to showcase thousands of historic photographs of the Caribbean online. Sara Griffiths from The National Archives said that these images, with their colonial perspective, tell only one part of the story.
“Our aim has been to work with partners such as New Arts Exchange and Chase Neighbourhood Centre to use and re-interpret these photographs so that we have a fuller understanding of the stories and voices that make up this very diverse and rich heritage,” she said.
Exhibition details
What: Caribbean through a Lens
When: 24 October – 4 January
Where: Central Galley, New Art Exchange, 39-41 Gregory Boulevard, Nottingham. NG7 6BE
Admission: FREE
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