Exploring the Life of Mrs B at Birmingham Back to Backs

Visitors to the National Trust’s Birmingham Back to Backs can currently experience Mrs B: A Handsworth Life, an exhibition celebrating the life of Anita Eutedra Bartley, fondly known as Mrs B. The exhibition opened in early October as part of Black History Month and runs until May 2026.

Mrs B, a member of the Windrush generation, was born in St Catherine, Jamaica, and arrived in the UK in February 1955 with her husband John, settling in Handsworth, Birmingham. The exhibition tells her story in her own words, from leaving her home in Jamaica to establishing a life in Birmingham while confronting racism and becoming a respected elder in her community.

The display includes films, photographs, and domestic objects that reflect both Mrs B’s life and the broader experience of the Windrush generation. Highlights include a Blaupunkt Bluespot radiogram, ornaments and furniture typical of 1960s and 70s British-Caribbean households, and a striking collection of hats, each marking a different moment in her life.

Isobel Grove, Senior Programming and Partnerships Officer at Birmingham Back to Backs, said:
“Mrs B: A Handsworth Life offers a glimpse into home life for many in British-Caribbean households during the 60s and 70s. It also highlights the challenges faced by the Windrush generation and the importance of home and community as safe spaces.”

The exhibition is curated in partnership with artist Peter Grego, Mrs B’s son-in-law, who revisited his 1993 Family Albums series of digitally manipulated monoprints for the show. Grego said:
“The exhibition captures snippets of my mother-in-law’s story while connecting to the wider history of people from across the globe who built lives in Birmingham. I hope it sparks conversation about the contributions of multiple generations who have made the UK their home.”

The exhibition is free to visit and does not require a tour of the Back to Backs. Viewing times are Tuesday and Wednesday from 1pm–4:30pm, Thursday to Saturday 10am–4:30pm, and Sunday 10:30am–4:30pm. Entrance is via the second-hand bookshop on Hurst Street.

For more information, visit National Trust Birmingham Back to Backs.