An exhibition of photography by Neil Kenlock opened at Chatham House, London, on 14 October, to mark Black History Month. Running until 2 November, the exhibit represents a fascinating social document, charting the resilience, adversity and aspirations that were experienced by the Windrush generation and black people in Britain during the 1960s and 70s.
Neil Kenlock, born in Jamaica, travelled to London in the 1960s at the age of twelve as part of the Windrush Generation. He has lived in the city ever since and went on to become a co-founder of Choice FM, the first successful radio station granted a licence to cater for the black community in Britain. Neil also founded the first black British glossy magazine, Root.
The exhibition spans Neil’s time as a staff photographer for the West Indian World newspaper and as the official photographer for the UK Black Panther party.
Joseph Osayande, Co-Chair for Race and Ethnicity in Chatham House’s Equality Diversity and Inclusion working group, said:
‘Neil’s photographs capture the essence of black history in Britain: people; communities and movements.
‘His work is a powerful time capsule documenting the often-overlooked Windrush generation and the struggle and adversity black Britons faced. His photographs not only capture some of the key figures of the movement but also the pride of an often-forgotten generation and their fight for civil rights and equality.
‘As a photographer myself I am a huge fan of Neil’s work, and it is a genuine privilege for us to showcase it to our members this Black History Month.’
Chatham House members who would like to view the exhibition should contact the membership team at ([email protected]).
