SVG receives £74,600.00 from Heritage Lottery Fund

On Monday, May 14, the St Vincent and the Grenadines 2nd Generation (SVG) received £74,600.00 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for an exciting project, Revisiting 18th Century Vincentian Presence in Marlow, Buckinghamshire.

Made possible by money raised by National Lottery players, the project focuses on the life of George Alexander Gratton also known as the ‘Beautiful Spotted Boy’ by revisiting the 18th century Vincentian presence in the UK.

Research will uncover Marlow Town connections to the Vincentian community within the Wycombe District of Buckinghamshire, UK. High Wycombe has the largest population of Vincentians in the UK.

Born in St Vincent and the Grenadines in 1808 with a skin pigmentation condition piebaldism, George Alexander Gratton became part of local Marlovian John Richardson’s shows in which he was displayed to the public as a ‘live curiosity piece’ throughout the UK. Georges’ body is buried in the graveyard at the All Saints Church when he died at the age of 4.

Today the grave is barely recognisable to the general public and is in need of repair to preserve the Vincentian heritage as it is one of if not the earliest evidence of Vincentian presence in Britain.

The project will also deliver a programme of heritage activities to breathe life into the tragic story of this little boy’s short lived life into the community. A community advisory group will be formed for the project with local volunteers and professional experts that will include Marlow Museum and the Marlow Society.

Commenting on the award, Honorary Member, Sir Henry Aubrey Fletcher said: “We are delighted to have received support thanks to National Lottery players and are confident that this unique and much needed project will preserve local Vincentian heritage.

It will also recognise Vincentian presence in 18th century Georgian Britain, raise awareness amongst residents in Buckinghamshire and encourage young people to be active citizens.”

SV2G was established in 2003 as an Arts and Heritage organisation, to develop awareness of the African and Caribbean heritage of SVG.  Based in High Wycombe, which has the largest population of Vincentians in the UK. As a registered Charity, SV2G has a range of innovative and exciting projects that help develop young people of various diverse backgrounds.