“The Close” refers to an archaeological excavation and public exhibition project at Thorny Hill in the New Forest, which focused on the site of an abandoned Romany Gypsy “compound” system established in the 1920s to house and “assimilate” traditional nomadic Romany communities. The site, which housed pre-fabricated homes from the 1960s, became a focus for Romani Community Archaeology (RCA), led by John-Henry Phillips, to document and preserve the history of the enforced settlement and its impact on Romany culture in Britain.  

The incredible Mint House, a unique creative hub in an ancient Tudor building in Pevensey will be displaying this touring exhibition and we will be adding to The Close by celebrating our local Romany Gypsy Community in East Sussex with printed excerpts of interviews conducted by brilliant local oral historian Shivaun Woolfson accompanied by photographic portraits taken by renowned local photographer Luke Woodford. 

Our part of the exhibition will be curated by a local Romany family, and we are currently raising funds to pay for Shivaun and Luke’s time, as well as all the materials involved in putting an exhibition together.

Link to the CrowdFunder – HERE.

We’d also love to run some workshops, so if we are fortunate enough to raise above our required sum, they will go to ensure these can go ahead too. 

In the current climate it is crucial we come together to support our marginalised communities and Romany Gypsies are some of the most vilified which is why we are so passionate about supporting this exhibition.

To prove that with love and hope we can collectively conquer all and this exhibition will really prove this power. 

If money is tight, then a share of the platform would be much appreciated or even the smallest amount will really support us. 

Thank you so much.

Living Communities. X

P.S. The magnificent ornament in the image was gifted to us by a local Romany Family and we really want to honour their legacy in this exhibition as a mark of huge respect.