Legacies: London Transport Caribbean Workforce (February 12th)

After the Second World War, the UK’s need for workers to help re-build the country coincided with the Caribbean population’s need for jobs. Britain benefited greatly from those making the difficult 7,000km journey to London. From 1956 to 1970, LT ran a direct recruitment campaign from Barbados, Trinidad and Jamaica, looking for employees to come and work for the organisation. Arriving with high hopes about starting a new life in Britain, many were shocked with the difficulties they faced including racism, poverty, homesickness and damp, cold British weather.

New recruits worked as bus conductors, station staff, canteen assistants and in track maintenance. Though many employees were skilled and well-educated, they had to take basic, low-paid work and often found promotion difficult due to informal but pervasive discrimination. Yet, despite these challenges, many employees have fond memories of enjoying their work, helping to create new social and sports clubs such as the London Transport Caribbean Association and joining LT’s many sports teams.

​Today, Transport for London (TfL), includes new generations of Londoners, some of whom are related to the first generation of Caribbean recruits. The exhibition also focuses on the influence Caribbean culture has had on the Capital and beyond. From iconic events such as Notting Hill Carnival to the development of the large-scale artwork for TfL’s Art on the Underground programme at Brixton Tube station, this exhibition acknowledges the positive impact Caribbean communities have had on the UK, inspiring the visual arts and influencing the way we live, work and play. 

If you are interested in this exhibition then please contact The Lexo Club Concierge for more information regarding tickets...