Identity

This embroidered map reflects on British identity, racism and government policy in text which forms the shape of London around a red River Thames. Because embroidery has become strongly associated with women’s work in a domestic context, it is a particularly powerful medium for the artist’s challenge to the unjust treatment of her father, a victim of the Windrush scandal which saw the denial of legal rights, detention and deportation of Caribbean Commonwealth citizens. Out of the river spill the words: “acknowledge the pain and trauma you have caused. Actions speak louder than words”.

Object Details

ID: ZBA9379
Type: Map
Display location: Not on display
Creator: Romeo, Rachelle
Date made: 2018
Credit: © Rachelle Romeo. Image credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London. Acquired with Art Fund support.