Connections: Hidden British Histories

The Record Office is hosting the Connections exhibition in September 2007. 

It reveals the ‘hidden’ histories and experiences of Jewish, Black and Asian immigrants settling in Britain over the course of the 20th century.

There have been tensions, prejudices and competition between immigrants and the host community, but there have been examples of co-operation, mutual learning and support in cities such as Cardiff, Liverpool, Edinburgh and Southampton.   The exhibition challenges some of the prejudices we hold about each other, and shows how important it is to work together to combat racism.

Connections features comedy and comedians, with Lenny Henry, David Baddiel and Kulvinder Ghir commenting on the power of humour to diffuse racial tension, to educate and to bring people closer together.  But it is a double-edged sword – are people laughing with you or at you?

This touring exhibition is part of a project conceived by the Jewish Council for Racial Equality, with the support of the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Hanadiv Charitable Foundation, the Stone Ashdown Trust and the Kessler Foundation.  

Connections: Hidden British Histories is at the Record Office in Wigston Magna from 3 to 28 September.

The exhibition is free, and is open on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9.15 to 5pm; on Wednesdays from 9.15 to 7.30pm; on Fridays from 9.15 to 4.45pm; and on Saturdays from 9.15 to 12.15.

For more information, please contact Margaret Bonney at the Record Office on 0116 257 1080.

Ends

Press release issued: August 29 2007