5th July 2025 – 1st March 2026, Free, Boston Manor House Boston Manor Rd, Brentford TW8 9JX

The Polish community in the United Kingdom has a long and diverse history, shaped by multiple waves of migration. Early movements were driven by political upheavals like the Partitions of Poland in the late 18th century and 19th-century uprisings, but it was the events of the 20th century that truly defined the Polish presence in Britain.

The largest migration wave occurred during and after the Second World War. Thousands of Polish soldiers, airmen, and civilians arrived in Britain, contributing to the Allied war effort. Led by the Polish Government in Exile, which based itself in London, they worked to represent a free Poland on the world stage. With Poland occupied by the Soviets after the war and transformed into the communist Polish People’s Republic, many Poles had no choice but to remain where they were. These early post-war years saw the establishment of vibrant Polish communities, which, despite the challenges of displacement, retained strong cultural traditions.

Another big wave of migration occurred after Poland’s accession to the European Union in 2004, when many Poles moved to the UK for economic opportunities, making Poles one of the largest immigrant groups in the country. The significance of the Polish community is reflected in the 2021 UK Census, which identified Polish as the most spoken non-native language in England and Wales. Despite challenges such as Brexit, which introduced uncertainty for many, the Polish community remains a vital and enduring part of British life.

Curated by Olga Topol and Magdalena Paczocha

Find out more: HERE

Additional Activities connected with the Exhibition:

• Saturday 16th August – Wycinanki (Traditional Polish paper cutting) workshop
• Sunday 28th September – Between Two Worlds: Art, Identity and the Anglo-Polish experience
• Saturday 4th October – Pierogi making workshops
• Saturday 1st November – Suitcase stories: Reimagining home through Polish journeys
• Saturday 29th November – Exploring Festive Slavic Food with Zuza Zak
• Sunday 25th January – Nurturing Heritage: Navigating Multilingual Parenthood
• Sunday 22nd February – Echoes of Identity: Storytelling Through Art and Voice