Remembering Partition:
Legacy of 1947 and Beyond

On 27 June 2025, we held an event as part of The London Festival of Architecture 2025 to reflect on the history and impact of the 1947 Partition of India, the British Empire, and its lasting effects on our lives today.

Using the iconic model at The London Centre, this event will explored pathways to creating a new memorial commemorating the human stories of Partition.

August 2027 will mark 80 years since the Partition of India and creation of Pakistan and subsequently Bangladesh. Several decisions to the lead up to Partition were made in locations across London. This event contributes to our long term ambition of creating a memorial space that demonstrates connection to communities in London, within the public realm.

At this event, the audience gained an understanding of the historical context of colonisation, the independence movement and the Legacy of Partition. Guest speakers brought the story home to by tracing the Partition Trail on the model of London. A drop in 'model making' session created an opportunity to explore and influence the form and urban context of the project.

We invited the audience which included two survivors, to connect and discover voices from the past that echo through our present, as we strive to honour them in the future.

Agenda

1.30pm: Arrivals Light Snacks/Tea/Coffee/Soft Drinks

2.00pm: Welcome to The London Centre & The London Model - Eliza Grosvenor - Head of Programme, London Festival of Architecture & Chetna Kapacee - Partition Advisory Board Member

2.10pm: Model Talk – The London Partition Trail - Rav Singh

2.25pm: A Lived Experience of Partition - Aditi Kumar

2.45pm: Q&A

3pm: Speeches + Thank yous

3.15pm - 3.45pm: Break Out Room for Model Session - Manasi Pophale

+Networking & Explore TLC

4pm: Model Session Outputs on The London Model

4.30pm: Close

Read the blog by Samara Abbas and view the gallery