Suitcases and Sanctuary

Submitted by on 22 May, 2004 - 12:00

an exhibition at the Museum of Immigration and Diversity

Tucked away in Spitalfields, east London, is one of the capital's least known attractions. 19 Princelet Street is an old house which serves as a living monument to London's extraordinary tradition as a destination and sometime haven for refugees.

The house was built in 1719 and was originally home to a Huguenot family of silk weavers who had fled persecution in France. Later, other immigrant families from Ireland, and Jewish families from Eastern Europe lived in the house. At some stage the attic rooms were converted to allow more light in for the weavers who worked there. In 1869 the Rothschilds donated money to have the house extended to include a small synagogue.

Number 19, house and synagogue, is a fascinating place to look around, although in a seriously dilapidated condition and in need of £3 million for maintenance.

It was a Jew and a Muslim who first happened upon the house and recognised it as a building which could help to communicate to new generations something about the history of immigration in east London. They led a project to have it opened as a museum. The building is run by volunteers.

Different groups of immigrants continue to arrive in east London and with similar experiences of persecution and poverty. They continue to face resentment and hostility. The museum's volunteer "staff" have done a very brave thing by presenting a fluidity between the past and the present. Most museums do not do that.

Nine- and 10-year-olds from local schools joined with artists, poets and actors to make the Suitcases and Sanctuary exhibits. Visitors read poems, diary entries and drawings, objects that have so much more life and meaning than the dry statistics of numbers, dates and so on.

One diarist writes about how he slept with his shoes on every night until the night his family fled the religious intolerance of his country.

Some pictures show what people believed London would be like - a place with good jobs, friendly people and a sophisticated life - and, on the reverse, the shocking reality for new arrivals.

The museum celebrates cultural diversity in London but is also very sober about the sadness and turmoil caused by leaving your own home and confronting a hostile environment. One exhibit is a facsimile of the Irish Times. The front page is divided into two columns: one explaining why Irish builders must strike for equal pay; the other is by the English boss arguing that the Irish don't deserve it.

It's hard to describe the exhibition without making it sound a bit "worthy". But it does give a hard hitting message about the real lives of immigrants and the need for racial tolerance. It ought to be more a place for school visits though, rather than somewhere for the already converted to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon.

As we left we were asked to write on a small luggage label what possessions we would take if we had to flee our home. I was reminded of what my mum, aunties, uncles and grandma took when they fled from Hong Kong to China during Japanese bombing raids. All they had to start a new life was a potty, some food and blankets.

My mum left behind the rosary given to her by the lodger, who, she found out later, was actually her father.

19 Princelet Street has a limited number of open days to go (one or two a month). Check the website (link below) for dates.
Link: 19 Princelet Street
Score: 8/10
Reviewer: Charlotte Mason

This website uses cookies, you can find out more and set your preferences here.
By continuing to use this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.