A Christmas Party in 1978

The Front Room, curated by Michael McMillan, is of a working class British Caribbean family living in social housing in Hoxton. The winter scenario for this room was co-curated with Priscilla Tagoe from the Museum’s Community Authors group.

Despite concerns about the economy and possible blackouts, the family enjoys a warm Christmas feast with invited relatives.

Worries about the economy and the potential of electricity blackouts have been put aside for Christmas Day in this household, where the feast keeps everyone warm while the snow falls outside. The parents felt obliged to invite distant relatives, and everyone is intrigued to meet their son’s new girlfriend. 

As the long day unfolds, with food and drink consumed, the seasonal spirit sees the sharing of stories, cracking jokes, playing board games and competition over what music should be played on the radiogram. After a little too much rum, a dance contest breaks out with uncle Mikey declaring himself the winner.