On 21st June 1948, a ship called HMT Empire Windrush docked at Tibury in Essex after scheduled stops in Trinidad, Jamaica, Mexico, Cuba and Bermuda. Hoping to start a new life, many of the ship’s British Caribbean-born passengers sought work in the ‘mother country’ during a time when the United Kingdom faced a decimated economy and severe labour shortages.
Windrush has become symbolic of its passengers and today encompasses the subsequent generations who have made significant contributions to British society and played a crucial role in rebuilding the country after World War II.
This UK 50p coin commemorates 75 years since the arrival of Windrush and features a design by Valda Jackson, a multidisciplinary artist who was born in St. Thomas, Jamaica and moved to England in 1964.
This Colour 50p Silver Proof depicts two people of the Windrush generation stood against the backdrop of the Union flag complemented by informative packaging which explores the arrival of Windrush and what is represents.
