Show looks at life of gipsies

8:46am Monday 28th February 2005

A NEW exhibition explores Romany history in the area through the eyes of gipsy children.

The youngsters have been working on the art and photography project for nine months.

Romany Lives in the Crays is on display at Bromley Museum, Church Hill, Orpington, until March 10.

Lucy Smith, 15, who lives on the Star Lane caravan site, said: "I really enjoyed the project, painting and taking photographs.

"I also enjoyed looking back at my family history. I learnt so much about who I am, as a gipsy."

Her father, Billy Smith Snr, a Star Lane resident for 20 years, says he hopes the exhibition will help the community understand gipsy life.

The project is run by Cray children's group Riverbirds, working with the Children's Society and Novas, which runs the Star Lane site.

Bromley mayor Councillor Anne Manning, who opened the exhibition, said: "Gipsies are an interesting group of people with a long history and this is an opportunity for everyone to learn more about them."

For more information, call Bromley Museum on 01689 873826.