Location
BT Group Archives, London
This South Asian Heritage Month, discover the untold stories of telegraphists in Colonial India at BT Group Archives’ Holborn Telephone Exchange (268-270 High Holborn, London WC1V 7EE). Opening 16th July at 13:00 and running on selected days until 21st August, this unique exhibition explores telecommunications history from 1856-1947, revealing the human cost behind the telegraph revolution and its crucial role in India’s independence movement.
Based on doctoral candidate Shibani Das’s AHRC-funded research with BT Group Archives, the exhibition features interactive elements including a video game recreating the laying of the first telegraph line from UK to Bombay in 1867, a multilingual audio guide and an original art installation designed by Das herself. Using rare archival materials, visitors will uncover stories of racial hierarchies, devastating health impacts on workers, and surprising cross-cultural solidarity.
Visit slots available (10am-12pm or 1pm-3pm) on select Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Book via Eventbrite: https://tinyurl.com/ms4f2nzt