Dominican old wives' tales

Museum of London Docklands pays tribute to the ‘Living Ancestors’ of Dominica

The 1st April 2009 marks the launch of ‘Living Ancestors’, a thought provoking display of portraits by London-based artist Gabrielle Le Roux, hosted at Museum of London Docklands. Of the 71,000 people living on the Caribbean island of Dominica, there are close to 100 centenarians and many more people in their nineties – the majority of these are women. Gabrielle Le Roux’s ‘Living Ancestors’ display celebrates the remarkable lives of these centenarian women and suggests reasons for their ‘staying power’.

Based on conversations with the people of Dominica, Le Roux suggests that the theory behind the women’s long lives dates back to their history as descendants of the transatlantic slave trade and their strong survivalist spirit. Le Roux’s portraits pay tribute to the women’s optimism and determination, despite their long history of poverty and oppression.

Meeting, talking to and painting the world’s oldest woman and nine other centenarians was a life changing experience for Le Roux and marked the beginning of a new chapter in her work as a feminist activist. Through drawing the portraits from life and understanding each personal story, Le Roux skilfully captures the experiences and essence of these women.

Le Roux summarises by saying; “From the times of slavery to the present day, women’s bold faces stand out through the corridors of Caribbean history in their multiple roles and it is to this that we pay tribute through the ‘Living Ancestors’ display”

The exhibition will include:

* Ten pastel portraits on paper which Gabrielle La Roux drew of the women while they told her their life story

* Each portrait is accompanied by a story captured from the interviews, along with a panel of introductory text

* A monitor will host a slideshow of photographs of the women during the time they were painted by the artist

Living Ancestors: A tribute in portraits and stories to the world’s oldest woman and other Caribbean centenarians opens 1st April and runs until 31st July 2009. It is free to alumni staff and to Museum annual £5.00 ticket holders, admission for children is free.

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Notes

1. Museum of London Docklands explores London's long history as a port through stories of trade, migration and commerce. A changing programme of activities caters for visitors of all ages and includes talks and gallery tours, storytelling, drama, films and guided walks. The Museum opened in 2003 and is a short walk along West India Quay from the Docklands Light Railway or ten minutes from Canary Wharf underground station on the Jubilee Line. Open daily 10am-6pm (except 24, 25 and 26 December) www.museumoflondon.org.uk/docklands

2. Museum of London Docklands together with Museum of London and Museum of London Archaeology seek to inspire a passion for London. Located at London Wall, Museum of London tells the lively story of London from prehistoric times to the present day. Museum of London Archaeology conducts excavations which continually remap our understanding of the city. Based in Hackney it provides independent professional advice and services to property sector and heritage clients and is the home of the Museum’s extensive archaeological archive, with finds from all over London.