Jay Blades looks back at three repairs that help show how immigration has shaped the UK.
The first item is a pump organ brought in by Carmen and Angela and previously owned by their mum, Vera, who was part of the Windrush generation. It was virtually the only thing she brought over when she emigrated from the West Indies, and it has provided many treasured evenings of entertainment. Jay tells the story of the Windrush generation through fascinating archive that charts their arrival, how they were received in the UK and the controversy over their status in recent years.
Next is a classic red and white revolving barber's pole brought in by Caner, whose father, Harry, moved from Cyprus to London in the early 1960s and, after working as a policeman, set up a barber’s shop. Jay discovers the fascinating story of Cypriots in London, along with the origins of the iconic barber’s pole.
Finally, a samovar – the Iraqi version of an ornate tea urn - brought in by Nawzad and Karen. It was virtually the only thing that the couple brought with them when they fled their homeland. Using archive, Jay delves into the story of the samovar and tea around the world, and he reveals some fascinating insights into migration from the Middle East. Show less