Oral Histories - 20:20 Stories of Moving Lineage

20:20 - a multimedia arts and heritage project from Salusbury World Refugee Centre - cast a long lens over the personal memories of refugee families who arrived in the UK from 1999 onwards.

To capture their oral histories, participants were asked about their experiences as refugees and were invited to think of a ‘significant object’ to represent their life’s journey. The oral histories include memories of homeland, reasons for exile and explore the themes of resilience and social agility, as well as the celebration of their achievements now.

The project was co-curated by FotoDocument and students and academics within the Design School at London College of Communication. This project was also supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

For more information, please visit salusburyworld.org.uk/2020project/

A Son from Iran
A Mother From Iran
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A Daughter From Somalia
A Daughter From Kosovo

A son from Iran talks about the memories of his escape and growing up in Britain.

Audio and transcription available here.

Artwork: © Saumya Mittal

 

A mother from Iran talks about the mental impact of war, which lingers long after it is over, and escaping her homeland with her son.

Audio and transcription available here.

Artwork: © Saumya Mittal

 

A mother from Somalia speaks about the war in her country and why bullets have always terrified her.

Audio and transcription available here.

Artwork: © Saumya Mittal

A daughter from Somalia recalls her first celebration after migrating to the UK.

Audio and transcription available here.

Artwork: © Saumya Mittal

A daughter from Kosovo reminisces her childhood home. She recalls shifting to the UK as escaping a warm blanket and plunging into an ice-cold lake.

Audio and transcription available here.

Artwork: © Saumya Mittal