Decolonising Brent: Reflections on “Postcards in Perspective” 

Devika, Decolonisation Consultant

The “Postcards in Perspective” event at Brent Museum and Archives, held on the 7th September and 23rd of August 2024, was intended as an example of how communities can engage with their colonial past through reflection and creative expression.  

As the decolonisation consultant for Becoming Brent, it was wonderful to witness how the event encouraged both staff and local residents to confront and rethink the narratives embedded in the historical archives of the British Empire. 

Using replica postcards from the 1924-1925 British Empire Exhibition, the event invited participants to delve into the colonial imagery and messages presented in these archives. But more importantly, it empowered them to respond to this history by creating their own “counter-narrative” postcards—artistic expressions that challenge the colonial lens and reframe the stories that have long been overlooked. 

One of the most powerful aspects of the event was the diversity of participants. The open, drop-in format made it accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds. I observed how each individual brought their unique perspective to this exploration, drawing connections between colonial histories on display and their own personal or familial experiences of migration and identity in relation to Brent.  

The creation of a “counter-archive”—a growing collection of participant-made postcards—was both visually striking and deeply symbolic way to reclaim history. This collaborative exhibit is an ongoing effort to decentralize colonial narratives and allow all contemporary voices, especially those historically marginalised, to shape Brent’s historical memory. 

For Brent, a borough so rich in cultural diversity, this event was an important milestone in our collective decolonisation journey. It allowed participants to explore not just Brent’s local history, but the global legacies of colonialism and how they continue to influence our world today. The purpose behind organising events like “Postcards in Perspective” as part of the larger Becoming Brent project is to remind ourselves and the community that decolonisation is an active, ongoing process—one that requires reflection, dialogue, and the courage to reshape the stories we tell about ourselves, those before us and to those who come after us.  

As we continue the Becoming Brent project, we intend to build on the momentum of this event, ensuring that these community-driven narratives remain central to our evolving history. 

These postcards will be used not only to form the counter-archive but will also be part of the upcoming exhibition. We will also use our experience and observations from the “postcard in perspective” event to explore and articulate what decolonisation truly means for Brent. Stay tuned!