A Bristol artist has designed a new commemorative 50p coin to mark 75 years since HMT Empire Windrush arrived in the UK. The coin designed by Valda Jackson pays tribute to the many British Caribbean and Commonwealth citizens who came to the UK between 1948 and 1973.
Valda Jackson is a resident multidisciplinary artist at Spike Island. Born in St. Thomas, Jamaica, Valda moved to England in 1964 and her parents were among the Windrush generation, those invited to leave their home in the Caribbean to come and work in Britain. Valda later joined them at five years old.
The image on the 50-pence piece depicts two people of the Windrush generation smartly dressed and standing against a backdrop of the Union flag. The Royal Mint, the official maker of UK coins, also worked closely with Dr Juanita Cox, a Caribbean Studies specialist at the University of London, throughout the whole process of introducing the commemorative 50p coin.
Read more: Former Bristol City player Andy Cole reflects on life of 'pioneer' Windrush generation miner dad
Speaking on her design, Valda said: “It’s more than a celebration of one moment, it is an acknowledgement of the real, lived experience of generations of ordinary working people, and though we may have struggled, and we still struggle in so many ways, we and our descendants are, in fact, at home. And this is what the image – these figures and the added Union Jack – represents.
"I am very happy to have my design selected for this coin, which honours our parents and their legacy; and which celebrates our presence, achievements, and contributions that continue to enrich our society.”
Disembarking at the Port of Tilbury in Essex on June 22, 1948, many of the passengers onboard Empire Windrush arrived in the UK in search of a new life. Windrush Day celebrates and remembers the people who made that journey, and subsequent generations after, who have made a vital contribution to the country.
Rebecca Morgan, Director of Commemorative Coin at The Royal Mint said: “The Royal Mint is committed to representing and celebrating diversity on UK coinage, and as we approach the 75th anniversary of HMT Empire Windrush arrival in the United Kingdom, we are honoured to be marking this important anniversary in British history on an official UK 50p coin.
The 50p coin commemorating 75 years since HMT Empire Windrush’s arrival in the United Kingdom is available on The Royal Mint’s website to buy in a range of precious metals and finishes, prices starting from £11. The coin forms part of The Royal Mint’s commitment to championing diversity and inclusion on official UK coins.
Windrush Day is one of two anniversaries being commemorated at St Pauls Carnival 2023 alongside 60 years since the Bristol Bus Boycott last month.
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