Press release

Designs revealed for national Windrush Monument

The public are now invited to have their say on the 4 shortlisted artists' proposals.

From:
Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, Windrush Commemoration Committee, and Lord Stephen Greenhalgh
Published
14 July 2021
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  • Artists Basil Watson, Jeannette Ehlers, Thomas J Price and Valda Jackson reveal proposals for national Windrush Monument at London Waterloo

  • Public encouraged to take part and share feedback on designs

  • Final design will be announced in Black History Month with monument to be unveiled in 2022

People across the country are being invited to have their say on a new national Windrush monument today (14 July 2021), as the 4 shortlisted designs have been revealed.

Artists Basil Watson, Jeannette Ehlers, Thomas J Price and Valda Jackson have unveiled their designs for the national Windrush Monument at London Waterloo station.

The artists, all of Caribbean descent, were shortlisted earlier this year to design a permanent tribute to the Windrush generation to honour how they have enriched our nation’s history.

Each of the artists has created a video unveiling their design for the Monument, which will be located on the station’s upper concourse, and explaining more about their artistic practice.

The public are now being invited to have their say on the artists’ proposals through an online survey. The government is particularly encouraging those of Caribbean descent to take part and share their views on the designs.

The final artist design will be chosen in September by the Windrush Commemoration Committee, considering views from the general public, and will be announced in October during Black History Month. The Monument is expected to be unveiled on Windrush Day 2022.

Chair of the Windrush Commemoration Committee, Baroness Floella Benjamin DBE said:

It is so exciting to finally see the designs our talented shortlisted artists have put forward for the national Windrush Monument in London Waterloo station.

The Monument will educate and inspire the next generation through the Windrush story. For that reason, it is incredibly important to myself, and the Windrush Commemoration Committee, to hear from young people on what they think of the 4 designs.

The Monument will be a place that people can visit from far and wide with their children and families to learn and reflect on the lasting legacy of our Windrush generation.

Communities Minister Lord Greenhalgh said:

Millions of people visit Waterloo station every year and this monument will always be a reminder to them of the incredible impact the Windrush generation has had – and continue to have – on the UK and our history.

I encourage everyone to take part in the survey and share their views ahead of the final design being revealed later this year.

Further information

The public have from Wednesday 14 July to Wednesday 25 August to share their thoughts on the artists’ proposals and participate in an online survey.

Downloadable resources are available to help people of all ages engage and share their feedback.

UP Projects were appointed by MHCLG to manage the selection process and ensure the views of the Caribbean community in the UK are sought on what would represent a meaningful legacy. UP Projects’ team includes a Caribbean Networks Consultant and a Curator & Caribbean Community Engagement Consultant, who will liaise with the Caribbean community as a major part of the public engagement strategy. Their views will be taken into consideration by the Windrush Commemoration Committee as they make their final selection.

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Published 14 July 2021

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