Romany Gypsy artist Gemma Lees presents her work 'Cold Comfort/Kushti Shillow' in the exhibition 'Criminal: An Untold Story of Homelessness, Resistance and Survival' at The Museum of Homelessness in London's Finsbury Park. The exhibition maps 400 years of criminalisation of homelessness and nomadic lives, featuring a fold-up caravan installation that uses embroidery hoops depicting anti-Traveller laws, a proggy rug with hidden racist phrases, and china plates printed with prejudiced media headlines, including from The Sun's 2005 'Stamp On The Camps' campaign.
This exhibition matters because it brings visibility to the ongoing criminalisation of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities, using art to challenge media stereotypes and legal discrimination. By combining craft, personal narrative and social commentary, Lees transforms a domestic space into a political statement, highlighting how homelessness and nomadic identity are systematically penalised. The show, co-curated by MOH members, also underscores the role of grassroots museums in amplifying marginalised voices and creating lasting legacies for homeless communities.