This beautifully illustrated book, with an introduction by Bonnie Greer, celebrates the lives of 99 inspirational immigrants.
Gunnersbury and the local area are lucky enough to have an association with a number of the individuals featured- Ade Adepitan lives very locally, Handel visited Gunnersbury, Jimi Hendrix visited the Marshall shop in Ealing regularly (allegedly!), Margaret Busby is involved with the Friends of the Huntley Archive at LMA and has spoken at Gunnersbury as part of our 2019 Black History Month programme, Mo Farah lived in Hounslow, as did Freddie Mercury who studied at Ealing Art College. Moses Montefiore also had strong links to the Rothschild family, who owned Gunnerbsury Estate until it became a public park and museum.
Many of those highlighted in the book arrived almost penniless with little English. They achieved success because of their hard work and ingenuity, and their legacies have shaped British society. Without Michael Marks, we wouldn’t have Marks & Spencer. Without Ludwig Guttmann, there would be no Paralympics. Without so many others featured in this book, the UK would be drastically and surprisingly different.
Each entry includes an original illustration, with a profile of each individual and their incredible achievements. Every reader can add a 100th individual who has inspired them. Who would you add – perhaps a friend, relative, colleague or neighbour?
Hardcover : 212 pages
Dimensions : 17.15 x 1.91 x 24.77 cm