The free-to-visit installation, titled Look What I Found, is the work of London-based multimedia artist Jazz Grant and explores heritage, identity and creativity through the lens of the V&A’s vast collections.
Ms Grant, the 2025 recipient of Hackney Council’s Windrush Amplified Art Grant, created the display as part of a research residency at the V&A East Storehouse earlier this year.
She said: “Looking through V&A East Storehouse’s range of collections was incredible and I can’t wait for the public to also share in this experience through my display.
“This display is an expression of my creativity, Jamaican heritage and Hackney’s rich culture and history and I’m honoured to have been selected by the Hackney Council Windrush Amplified Art Grant to tell my story.
“I’ve visited the V&A throughout my life, so it’s almost surreal partnering with V&A East Storehouse to display my work alongside artists I admire.”
The display features objects discovered during Ms Grant’s residency on Level 2 of the museum alongside a vibrant collage that will be replicated for a mural at Hackney Central Library.
One highlight is an 1800s Jamaican Lacebark Mat made from the Lagetta lagetto tree.
This marks the mat’s first time on display at V&A East Storehouse.
Georgia Haseldine, senior curator at V&A East Storehouse, said: “V&A East Storehouse is a place for us all to find inspiration and Jazz is a guiding light of how to use our national collection to make new work rooted in and for our local community.
“I can’t wait to see what is made next.”
Councillor Chris Kennedy, Hackney Council’s cabinet member for health, adult social care, the voluntary sector and culture, said: “It’s been a delight to work with Jazz Grant and we look forward to her mural providing a daily reminder of the contributions that the Windrush Generation bring to Hackney.”
The mural will form part of a major refurbishment of Hackney Central Library and the library is set to reopen in early 2026.
Jazz Grant’s objects and collage are now on display at V&A East Storehouse.
