Emerging artist helps create Windrush monument

A student from the University of Wolverhampton has played a vital role in the creation of a new public monument honouring the Windrush generation, which has been unveiled in the city.

Victoria Murrain's painted imagery is incorporated into the steel structure, bringing personal and community stories of the Windrush generation to life.

The monument depicts the bow of the Windrush ship, an anchor, and rising chains, and was unveiled in St Patrick's Park, Broad Street Basin on Monday, which was Windrush Day.

She said: "Seeing people stop, take photographs, and connect with my work has been a truly unforgettable experience."

The monument is the result of a community-led partnership developed over several years and follows a consultation with Wolverhampton's residents to help shape its location, themes and purpose.

Murrain said: "Taking part in a project like Wolverhampton's Windrush Monument means the world to me.

"For years I put off studying art because I constantly compared myself to others, but in 2023 I decided to take a chance on myself and begin studying at the University of Wolverhampton's School of Creative Industries.

"If I hadn't made that decision, I wouldn't have had the opportunity to be part of something that honours not only my family's story, but the stories of so many others."

The monument features symbolic elements including the bow of a ship, an anchor and rising chains, representing journeys, resilience and legacy. It also includes the poem A Monument is a Testament by former Birmingham Poet Laureate Casey Bailey, cut directly into the surface.

Murrain drew inspiration from her own heritage, explaining that her parents and grandparents were part of the Windrush generation, which inspired her to be involved in the sculpture.

HMT Empire Windrush, which docked in Tilbury, Essex, in 1948, was the first ship to arrive in England, bringing hundreds of passengers from the Caribbean under plans to address the nation's post-war labour shortage.

Between 1948-71, Wolverhampton received about 3,000 original Windrush generation residents.

Laura Onions, senior lecturer in fine art at the University of Wolverhampton, added: "Victoria's contribution to this landmark public artwork is an outstanding achievement and a testament to her commitment, creativity and professionalism.

"This work not only celebrates the Windrush generation but also demonstrates the vital role our students play in shaping cultural conversations within the city and beyond."

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