Exhibition: My Country is My Home

My country is my home.

To me, the Polish home was given.

That is my homeland.

All other lands are but hotels.

Polish Flowers (Kwiaty Polskie), Julian Tuwim

My Country is My Home: The Polish Community in the United Kingdom

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.

This exhibition explores the contributions of the community to British life through work and culture, and offers a glimpse into their experiences and resilience.

Exhibition curated by Olga Topol and Magdalena Paczocha

More information on Boston Manor House website.