History of Cardiff’s Gypsy and Traveller communities explored in new exhibition

From Wales Online

A new exhibition looking at the history of Gypsy and Traveller communities in Cardiff will open at the Cardiff Story museum on Friday.

“Pots n Pans: A Cardiff Gypsy and Traveller Way of Life” has been organised by The Romani Cultural and Arts Company to explore the traditions of Gypsies and Travellers in the city.

There will be photographs, objects and stories about what it was like growing up on the city’s Shirenewton and Rover Way Gypsy sites now and in the past, and details about travellers’ traditions such as cooking and food, and why china always takes pride of place in trailers and modern day wagons.

Pots and jugs made by children aged five to 14-years-old at the Shirenewton Gypsy site’s home club will also go on display at the exhibition, and it is hoped some of the children will come along to see the launch on Friday.

All the artefacts will be displayed in the Cardiff Story’s city showcase exhibition space.

Lillie Bramley, from The Romani and Cultural Arts Company, said: “We’ll be looking at the heritage of Gypsy Travellers. It’s about breaking down the stereotypes and celebrating the Gypsy culture.”

The “Pots n Pans” exhibition will run from Friday until August 28.

From June 16-30 there will be a second exhibition at the Cardiff Story museum by international Romany artist Delaine Le Bas, and both exhibitions coincide with Gypsy Roma Traveller History Month.

This will include a national symposium at Cardiff’s City Hall on June 22.