Midnight Mass in 1956

The winter scenario for this room was co-curated with Joseph Callahan from the Museum’s Community Authors group.

Spending their first Christmas Eve in London, Jack has shopped for last-minute gifts on Camden High Street while Kathleen decorated their rented room with homemade paper ornaments.

What's happening

Kathleen and Jack moved from Ireland to London the year before, so it's their first Christmas eve in the city. Jack spent the day rushing around shops on Camden High Street to buy last-minute presents for friends and family, while Kathleen stayed home and made paper decorations for their small, rented room.  

When Jack got home, they were both so hungry that they sliced into the Christmas cake a day early, and after many cups of tea, they only have two pieces left. They now need to get changed quickly into their best outfits, and will head to their local church to join in the celebration of nativity.