British Migrants: Instant Australians?

Between 1947 and 1981 nearly 1.5 million Britons migrated to Australia, seduced by promises of sun, surf and a better life. This group of migrants were simultaneously everywhere and invisible, expected to become ‘instant Australians’. But the reality of migration is never that simple.

The temporary exhibition was developed by Museums Victoria and explores the personal experiences and historical and contemporary impacts of British migrants in the postwar decades. The exhibition features stories told by children, teenagers and families, labourers, adventurers, returnees, musicians, and even a snake dancer—brought to life through compelling digital animation. The exhibition’s historical and personal narrative threads are drawn together with contributions by multicultural and Indigenous commentators and academics to provide the basis for a conversation about British migration and its contemporary meanings, relevance and ongoing impacts.

This exhibition runs from 22nd of February and has been extended to the 22nd November 2020.