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An evocative exhibition shedding light on the intertwining histories of Ireland and Britain is set to captivate audiences in Belfast this summer. "Look Back to Look Forward," an acclaimed exhibition illustrating five decades of migration between the island of Ireland and Britain, is poised for its Belfast debut at Queen's University as part of the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann Fringe programme.
Running from 28th July to 16th August at Elmwood Hall, this free-entry exhibition opens a poignant window into the lives, resilience, and enduring legacies of those who have moved across the Irish Sea over the past fifty years. It celebrates both the experiences of first-generation migrants and their descendants, weaving a rich tapestry of personal narratives.
The initiative is a brainchild of Irish in Britain, a national body uniting Irish community organisations in Britain, formed as part of their 50th anniversary celebrations. Following its successful run in Dublin, where it drew over 120,000 visitors, and tours around Britain, its arrival in Belfast is timely as visitors flood the city for the Fleadh.
Through oral histories, archival material, photography, film, and audio recordings, the exhibition chronicles diverse experiences – from the emotional farewells at departure to the establishment of new lives and identities in foreign lands. This historical retrospective is particularly enriched by contributions from prominent figures such as actors Adrian Dunbar, Ardal O’Hanlon, and Jamie Beamish, who breathe life into interviews with Irish labourers from the 90s.
Northern Irish voices are well-represented. Claire Hagan, originally from Portstewart, offers an intimate glimpse into her journey as a lesbian within a Protestant community before moving to Leicester in 1989. William Foote, Hammersmith’s Irish Cultural Centre director from Bangor, and Fr Gerry McFlynn, an advocate for Irish prisoners in England and Wales, also share their stories. The exhibition further features diverse perspectives from other notable contributors connected to Northern Ireland.
Brian Dalton, CEO of Irish in Britain, underscored the exhibition's importance, stating, “Many of the stories featured have connections to Northern Ireland, and so we’re delighted that Queen’s is hosting the exhibition.”
Dalton emphasised how the exhibition shines a light on the significant contributions of Irish communities in Britain, fostering a deeper understanding of these shared histories.
In addition to personal testimonies, the project champions inclusion, documenting voices often underrepresented—including LGBTQ+ individuals and those impacted by the legacy of Irish residential institutions. With financial backing from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the project has amassed an inclusive archive of oral histories now housed at London Metropolitan University’s Archive of the Irish in Britain.
For those unable to physically attend, an online version of the exhibition ensures wider access, available at www.irishinbritain.org. In conjunction with the exhibition's arrival, Belfast Live Social on TikTok promises vibrant coverage, offering food reviews, concert news, and local insights at followers’ fingertips.
In "Look Back to Look Forward," the essence of migration is celebrated and critically examined, amplifying the voices of those whose journeys have stitched together the cultural fabric of two closely connected lands.