The Royal Mint is marking the seventy fifth anniversary of the arrival within the UK of passengers on the Empire Windrush ship with a brand new commemorative 50p coin.
The coin’s designer, artist Valda Jackson, was born in St Thomas, Jamaica, and moved to England in 1964.
Her dad and mom had been among the many technology of individuals invited to depart their houses within the Caribbean to work in Britain, and she or he later joined them on the age of 5.
The coin depicts two smartly-dressed folks from the Windrush technology.
The design pays tribute to the numerous British Caribbean and Commonwealth residents who arrived within the UK between 1948 and 1973, the Royal Mint mentioned.
Ms Jackson mentioned of the coin design: “It’s greater than a celebration of 1 second – it’s an acknowledgement of the true, lived expertise of generations of bizarre working folks, and, although we could have struggled, and we nonetheless battle in so some ways, we and our descendants are, actually, at residence.
“And that is what the picture – these figures and the added Union Jack – represents.
Empire Windrush filled with West Indian immigrants on arrival on the Port of Tilbury on the River Thames on 22 June 1948. This occasion is commonly cited as the beginning of the postwar immigration increase that was to alter British society perpetually. The British Nationality Act 1948 gave British citizenship to all folks residing in Commonwealth nations with full rights of entry and settlement in Britain.
(Alamy Inventory Picture)
Jamaican immigrants arriving at Tilbury Docks in Essex, twenty second June 1948.
(SSPL through Getty Photographs)
“I’m very completely satisfied to have my design chosen for this coin, which honours our dad and mom and their legacy, and which celebrates our presence, achievements, and contributions that proceed to counterpoint our society.”
The Royal Mint mentioned it had additionally labored intently with Dr Juanita Cox, a Caribbean Research specialist on the College of London, all through the entire strategy of introducing the commemorative coin.
Rebecca Morgan, director of collector companies on the Royal Mint, mentioned: “The Royal Mint is dedicated to representing and celebrating variety on UK coinage, and, as we strategy the seventy fifth anniversary of HMT Empire Windrush’s arrival in the UK, we’re honoured to be marking this vital anniversary in British historical past on an official UK 50p coin.
“Windrush has grow to be symbolic of its passengers and at this time encompasses the following generations who’ve performed a pivotal position in shaping trendy British tradition and society for the reason that Second World Struggle.”
The ship’s passengers disembarked at Tilbury in Essex on June 22 1948.
The 50p commemorative coin is out there on the Royal Mint’s web site in a variety of treasured metals and finishes, with costs beginning at £11.
The Mint mentioned it isn’t at the moment capable of verify whether or not the coin will enter basic circulation.
