HOME MACHINISTS (SEAMSTRESSES)
Untold stories of first-generation Bangladeshi women in the East End (1970-90)
This unique project is being funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund. It will explore the rise and decline of Bangladeshi women home seamstresses in East London. Many older women from this community are in their 60s and 70s now and represent a very little-known but highly significant East End heritage.
These women have incredible, unique, individual and shared stories of being the first-generation Bangladeshi women in East London who worked from home as seamstresses to support their families.
The project will help reveal and share the untold hidden stories of these women who contributed so much to society, the economy and their families’ well-being while making many sacrifices for their own health and dreams.
The work will be undertaken by community participants (in a voluntary capacity), to be known as heritage oral historians and heritage researchers. They will receive relevant training provided by the Oral History Society, Tower Hamlets Local History Library and Archives and London Metropolitan Archives.
Outcomes of the project include a printed book, an exhibition, a drama performance and a project completion celebration. The collection of oral history, photographs and documents will be deposited at the Tower Hamlets Local History Library and Archives. A six-month touring exhibition/workshops will follow in four venues, which will include the drama performance.
Stepney Community Trust (SCT) thanks The National Lottery Heritage Fund for their grant support and the National Lottery players that fund Britain’s diverse heritage.
For more information about this unique project, contact Muhammad Ahmedullah / Bodrul Alom on 020 7377 5482 or email [email protected] / [email protected]
Note to editors
About The National Lottery Heritage Fund
Using money raised by the National Lottery, we Inspire, lead andresource the UK’s heritage to create positive and lasting change for people and communities, now and in the future. www.heritagefund.org.uk.
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