TRAVELLERS have helped curate a new exhibition at Worcester City Art Gallery and Museum shining a spotlight on their way of life.
Historically gypsy, Roma and traveller communities are Worcestershire’s largest ethnic minority and an integral part of the county’s culture and agricultural year.
The Atchin Tan – Travelling Through Art exhibition has been curated by Worcester City Art Gallery and Museum with members of the communities. It features artworks on loan from Tate by Turner, Gainsborough and Munnings, alongside newly commissioned artworks.
The exhibition has sprung from Museums Worcestershire’s Vardo Project – a project to add to the history of Worcestershire’s unique and rare collection of Vardoes (horse-drawn wagons) which is the largest and most complete collection in the UK.
Atchin Tan is the Romani phrase for Stopping Place.
Atchin Tan – Travelling Through Art is a journey through art history, stopping to explore at various periods of time representations depicting a community that has long been present. The journey begins with some of the earliest representations of travelling life, through to modern representations by contemporary Romani artists, including works demonstrating skills from endangered crafts.
As well as enjoying nationally renowned artworks, visitors to Atchin Tan can hear oral histories, enjoy traditional Romani storytelling, and leaf through family photograph albums, while discovering how Romani identity has been portrayed through time.
Senior curator Deborah Fox said: “This exhibition records the stories of communities which have been historically important to Worcestershire. It is a privilege to have worked with people from these communities and to be able to show their history through these amazing artworks by nationally renowned artists and brand-new commissions.”
The exhibition runs until Sunday January 5. Admission is free.
For more information visit www.museumsworcestershire.org.uk
