Exhibition documenting the Evacuation of the Gibraltarians opens at John Mackintosh Hall - 701/2026

An exhibition documenting the wartime evacuation of the Gibraltarians, featuring the work of photographer Joe Gingell, has opened at the John Mackintosh Hall Art Gallery.

The exhibition brings together photographs and material relating to one of the defining collective experiences in the history of Gibraltar. Through his research, photography and engagement with members of the community, Mr Gingell has worked to identify the people featured in historic images and encourage families to contribute their own photographs, documents and memories.

The exhibition was officially opened on Wednesday by the Deputy Chief Minister, the Hon Dr Joseph Garcia CMG MP. Speaking at the launch, Dr Garcia highlighted the importance of preserving the personal stories behind the evacuation, which saw families dispersed and people forced to adapt to unfamiliar circumstances during the Second World War.

The Deputy Chief Minister also encouraged members of the public to engage with the exhibition and contribute any photographs, family memories or information that may help identify people featured in the collection.

Mr Gingell's work highlights the contribution that families and the wider community can make to historical research. As the generation that experienced the evacuation directly becomes smaller, the recording and preservation of their memories has become increasingly important.

The exhibition also reflects the wider importance of preserving Gibraltar's heritage for future generations and ensuring that the experiences of previous generations remain part of Gibraltar's collective history.

The Deputy Chief Minister, the Hon Dr Joseph Garcia, said: "The evacuation was an integral moment in the making of the Gibraltarian people, and it is important that we continue to document the experiences of those who lived through it. These photographs remind us that history is ultimately about people, families and individual stories. I congratulate Joe Gingell on this wonderful exhibition and on the years of research and dedication that have gone into bringing these stories back into the historical record."