‘We’re so proud’: Gypsy & Traveller heritage celebrated in new exhibition at Streetlife Museum

PROUD: Joe and Corinna Windas, key contributors to the exhibition

By Simon Bristow

A new exhibition celebrating local Gypsy and Traveller heritage is opening at Hull’s Streetlife Museum on Saturday.

Funded by Arts Council England, the display – including a life-sized model of a piebald horse – has been carefully created with members from local Gypsy and Traveller communities, and with extensive support from York Travellers’ Trust.

An opening event, featuring crafts and traditional music, will take place from noon on Saturday, July 15, as organisers aim to draw attention to this often overlooked part of local history.

Violet Cannon, chief executive of York Travellers’ Trust said: “I’m so pleased to have been involved in this work, where the museum has been so receptive to our thoughts and ideas.

“We have been allowed the freedom to create something that we can be proud of.

“I am especially proud that this will be a permanent display.”

Robin Diaper, curator of maritime and social history at Hull City Council, said: “This project has been a great opportunity to bring a previously hidden history into our galleries. 

“Once we started looking and learning from our partners we found that connections to Gypsy and Traveller history ran deep in Hull and surrounding regions. 

“With the strong connection to horses as well, the upstairs galleries at Streetlife were the natural home for this project. 

“We’re extremely grateful to all contributors and their generosity in sharing this heritage.”

Councillor Rob Pritchard, city council portfolio holder for culture and leisure, said: “Our city museums are there for everyone and celebrate the rich histories we all share as a community. 

“This is such an evocative and interesting addition to the Streetlife Museum.”