A new exhibition, titled “The Bengali East End”, was launched last month at the Tower Hamlets Local History Library & Archives in London.
The exhibition uses historic collections to tell the fascinating story of the establishment of the Bengali community in the East End of London. The exhibition is an outcome of the 2011-'12 heritage skills traineeship at Tower Hamlets Local History Library & Archives held by Shahera Begum, who curated the exhibition in partnership with Swadhinata Trust, a local organisation promoting Bengali cultural heritage.
Using photographs, oral histories and archival materials newly acquired by Shahera Begum for the council's collections, “The Bengali East End” traces the history of Bengali people in Tower Hamlets, exploring their experiences here since the seventeenth century.
Speeches were delivered by Malcolm Barr Hamilton of Hamlets Local History Library & Archives; heritage trainee Shahera Begum; Swadhinata Trust's Maher Anjum and Judith St John, head of Idea Stores.
The launch featured a screening of the rarely seen short film “Nora -- Emerald of Bengal”, directed by Charlie Sen, set during the Bangladesh Independence Day anniversary commemoration at Altab Ali Park. “Nora” follows a young Irish woman whose courage and selflessness lead her to play a major role in the Bangladesh liberation struggle. Nora Shariff was honoured this year by Bangladesh government as an acknowledgement of her contribution during Bangladesh's War of Independence.
The exhibition runs till May 3, 2012.
A booklet was produced to accompany the launch, featuring more than 30 inspirational stories from the East End. Featured profiles include author Kia Abdullah, radical social pioneer Caroline Adams and early community leader Ayub Ali Master.