George Saunders, Tailor, Birmingham

George Saunders had a shop in Hurst Street which is now a National Trust property (Back to Backs) and you can see a collection of his machines, fabrics etc displayed in his shop and workshop at the property. He was a member of the Windrush generation and this quilt is No 7 in a series honouring the Windrush generation. My thanks to the help and support of the National Trust enabling me to create this quilt.

The Windrush quilts are a celebration of resilience, adaptation, and identity, reflecting on the lives and legacies of the Windrush generation. The term “Windrush” refers to the arrival of Caribbean migrants to the UK between 1948 and the early 1970s, named after the HMT Empire Windrush, the ship that brought the first large group to Britain. They came to help rebuild the nation after World War II, answering Britain’s call for workers, but faced harsh realities of racism, inequality, and cultural dislocation.
The quilts weave together the struggles and triumphs of those who journeyed to the UK, seeking new beginnings while navigating these challenges. Each quilt tells a history, blending imagery, intricate stitching, and painted details trying to capture the essence of their experiences. Faces and hands remain vivid and present, while the fading painting blending into the background fabric is a metaphor for the gradual erasure of identity and culture faced by many immigrants as they assimilate into a new society. 
The text on the background of each quilt is transcribed from oral histories preserving the voices of those who lived through these times, reflecting on the courage and determination that shaped modern Britain, and creating a space where the narratives of the Windrush generations can be preserved and celebrated. I hope to inspire connection and understanding.