Immigration & Identity
Learn more about immigration and identity in London through these objects, stories and blogs.
Blogs-And-Stories

Ramadan in London: In search of ingredients from home
Ramadan intensifies the longing for familiar home-cooked meals for many migrant Muslims in London

British-Bangladeshis & the East End rag trade: A personal story
How Asma Begum’s parents travelled from Bangladesh in the 1960s to build a life in London’s East End

Seeking refuge in London
Our collection highlights powerful stories of refugees seeking sanctuary in London while facing challenges

London is open and always has been
15 objects from our collections, each showing that London is, and has always been, open to the wider world

William Sessarakoo: the Royal African
One man’s journey from African prince through slavery into London high society


My East End stories: Boxing belts to empire maps
Three Londoners share personal stories linked to East End artefacts

Syrian booza in London: A Damascene ice cream made with soul
Levant café brings the traditional Syrian ice cream to London, creating a space that gives one a sense of home and identity


London’s sport histories: Migration, diversity & inclusion
Five stories of people where migration has played an important role in the choice of sport, both as practitioners and supporters

Windrush stories of the Indo-Caribbean community
Three Londoners of Indo-Caribbean descent share family stories of being part of the Windrush generation

Women in Indian indentured labour
A third of indentured labourers were women. Here’s a peek into their story

The Jewish East End
How Spitalfields and Whitechapel offered new lives to thousands fleeing persecution

Chicken Curries & Johnny Cakes: The diversity of Caribbean food
Two Londoners of Caribbean heritage share their culinary perspectives

The surprising diversity of Roman London
A city home to people from Turkey, Germany and Greece

Foo Ying’s cheongsams: From India to London
Four traditional Chinese cheongsams tell the story of a family’s journey to London

Notting Hill Carnival: Memories, roots and rhythms
Growing up in the 1970s and 80s, Wendy Shearer shares her memories of the Notting Hill Carnival

Who are the Krios of Sierra Leone?
Explore the rich history of Sierra Leone's Krio community, their cultural fusion and notable contributions