Story & photo:Tim Neal
June saw an exhibition of patchworks, the arpilleras, at Abbeyfield House. These rich creations made by members of the Chilean community in Sheffield, and further afield, emerged in response to the tragedy and loss suffered by the then refugees from the Pinochet regime.
They were a form of psychological healing for the Chileans at the time and the exhibition allowed us to share some of their memories and the pain.
Roberta Bacic, researcher and curator of arpilleras from the University of Ulster brought work made by Chileans both from Ireland and Chile. There were many members of the Sheffield Chilean community present at the opening as well as many of those men and women from Sheffield who befriended and supported them over those difficult years.
Helen Jackson, ex MP for Hillsborough and their long time friend, gave a moving testimony to the resilience of the Chileans. The spirit of welcome shown to them, she noted, was still reflected in the work being done by a whole variety of organisations working with and on behalf of the many groups of refugees who have come to our City over recent years.
The exhibition marked 40 years since the dictator Pinochet came to power in a bloody coup. It brought back many painful memories but it also inspired many people. Difficult situations can bear fruit in unexpected ways and the manner in which the Chileans worked with their pain acts as an example to us all.