Story Catchers
Introduction to Story Catchers
For generations, African, Caribbean and Asian diasporic communities have woven themselves into the fabric of the UK, shaping its culture, economy, and society. The stories of older people from these communities in Wandsworth are a powerful testimony to this journey. Many of have worked in hospitals, kitchens and schools whilst laying down roots and finding a place to call home.
The personal stories highlighted in this exhibition are a powerful narrative of resilience and strength. When a Jamaican immigrant is refused service at their local butchers, they find alternative solutions to ensure their community celebrations continued. Such stories illuminate a common thread: the quiet strength, aspirations and community-building spirit that has defined these communities. This has allowed them to not just survive – but thrive, creating networks of support that enriched our entire borough.
This pioneering exhibition emerges from Story Catchers – a National Lottery Heritage-funded project delivered by Wandsworth Council's Arts & Culture Service. The project paired five young local creatives with community elders to capture their oral histories. The emerging creatives became custodians of living history, documenting stories that might otherwise be lost. Interviews from the project will be kept in Wandsworth's Archive and Heritage Collection, ensuring these voices remain accessible for future generations. This preservation effort forms part of Wandsworth's broader cultural legacy as London Borough of Culture 2025.
The project connected with members from established local community organisations including The Furzedown Project, Happy Homes, Sparkle Intergenerational Community Centre and Tooting Junction Baptist Church. The exhibition title directly reflects the participants' own words – a profound expression of their desire to be seen, valued and remembered. Through their personal accounts, we hope these community members receive the recognition they deserve whilst inspiring young people to understand and appreciate the foundations laid by previous generations.
