In recognition of Black History Month, we’re showcasing an installation depicting the commemorative plaques of notable Black people in Southwark

This is brought to you by curator, Lily Reddie, whose exhibition at Southwark Heritage Centre, ‘Windrush75 @ Walworth: Favourite Things’ and her previous installation at Southwark Cathedral, ‘Hopes and Dreams in a Grip’ encapsulated the favourite everyday objects of the Windrush pioneers, during the first twenty five years of the ship’s docking in 1948.  

For Lily, such plaques have always been nuggets of everyday life. The plaques being in homage to individuals who were born or spent a significant time in an area. In certain cases, they adhere to the strict guidelines of institutional bodies while others are the work of enthusiasts. However, all seek to acknowledge the invaluable contributions made to the fabric of our great city. 

Lily Reddie who is an Arts and Culture enthusiast is a Chelsea College, UAL graduate and a curator with a practice in ‘Favourite Things’ that is to say personal, portable objects and mementoes with related individual stories attached. She has a real interest in photography particularly taking photos and curating vintage ones and is a contributing curator at Southwark Heritage Centre.