Hackney Museum exhibition explores experience of Turkish diaspora in Hackney’s garment trade
Free community display shines a light on Hackney’s Turkish speaking communities in the late 20th century
More Than a Bundle Story: Experiences of Migration and Making, is a new community display exploring the rich, and often untold, experiences of Turkish migrants who worked in Hackney’s garment industry from the late 1960s to early 2000s.
Running from 17 June to 16 August 2025, this free exhibition offers an insight into the everyday lives of those who arrived in Britain seeking opportunity, and who built communities while labouring in local clothing factories - often in challenging conditions.
The display, curated by Hackney born writer and founder of the More Than a Bundle Story project Emel Sevinç, in collaboration with Hackney Museum, weaves together personal memories of hardship, resilience, community and belonging using information collected in interviews. Through photographs, audio recordings and objects, More Than a Bundle Story brings to life stories of a generation whose contribution helped shape Hackney’s identity.
“This collection is about memory, identity and the quiet strength of people who arrived in a new country and made it their home. These are stories of struggle and survival, but also of community, love, and the lives lived and stories formed in the shadow of the sewing machine.”
Emel Sevinç, Co-curator of the exhibition with Hackney Museum
"Hackney’s history is stitched together by the stories of working people who brought their skills, cultures and determination to this borough. This exhibition honours the Turkish communities who were central to our garment trade, and it’s a powerful reminder of how migration is deeply intertwined in Hackney’s identity. I’m delighted to see their voices recognised and celebrated in this way."
Councillor Chris Kennedy, Hackney Council Cabinet Member for Culture
Visitors can learn more and follow the project on Instagram: @more_than_a_bundle_story