MADE IN ENGLAND
A Modern British Story 1966-2016
Made in England is an original art collection and immersive story of South Asian immigrants in Britain from the early settlers of the 1960s to the modern generation shaping today’s multicultural identity.
Through mixed media, digitial and AI-generated art, synthetic film, spoken word, and music scores, we guide you through an immersive, emotional storytelling experience, bringing to life fifty years of South Asian immigrants from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh who made England their home.
We see them, arrive with hope & sadness.
We see their lives,
experiences and culture.
Through storytelling, symbolism and
characters, we help you see these
people as humans seeking stability, dignity, and a better life. By doing so, we may inform perception, helping people understand that immigration is not just movement, it is human evolution through courage and hope.
We experience their love, pain and joy.
The people in our stories are everyday individuals each with their own dreams, challenges, personalities, and needs.We capture their experiences in detail with very visual a glimpse into their world, showing how they lived, what surrounded them, and how embraced a new world, adapting to its customs while holding onto their rich traditions.
We witness their
spirit & power.
From those facing prejudice, inequality, and hardship, who stood firm—proving their worth through resilience, hard work, and an unshakable spirit.They built futures from nothing, turned unfamiliar streets into communities, and created opportunity where none existed. Their strength was quiet but unbreakable — carried in every factory shift, every corner shop, every letter home.
Made in England Visual Time Capsule of Untold Stories-
Stories that were never recorded, voices that were never heard, and experiences that shaped generations.
These are the untold stories of men, women, and children who left everything behind, saying final goodbyes to family and home, stepping into an unknown world with nothing but resilience, love, and hope. Their struggles, their triumphs, their search for identity in a foreign land—none of it was documented through photographs or film. Until now.
The Immigrants
1st generation - From 1960
We introduce the pioneering South Asian settlers in the UK, offering glimpses into pivotal moments—their arrival, daily lives at workplaces, homes, special events, and other scenarios.
Our artworks reconstruct the era, portraying the settlers and the social challenges that shaped their lives. We also depict the contents of the suitcases they carried, passports, letters, clothing, items of faith, and books, each revealing the story of what they valued and how they began anew in the UK.
Beyond aesthetics, the art captures their resilience, joy, and the complex path of integration from building communities and finding work to creating homes, places of worship, and adapting to a new way of life amid shifting social and economic realities.
We also highlight the enduring bonds between immigrants and the English communities that welcomed them, celebrating the generosity and shared humanity that helped form a distinctive, diverse culture that continues to thrive in Britain today.
Their Children
2nd Generation
This collection offers a glimpse into the lives and experiences of the settler's children in cities and towns across England.
Jai Sol, a second-generation immigrant, brings a unique perspective to this collection, reflecting the evolving opportunities, choices, and experiences that have shaped his life and those of his peers.
This generation benefited from increased integration possibilities, including improved access to education, stable employment, and the freedom to explore diverse lifestyles and relationships beyond the boundaries of their Asian community.
The integration of the settler's children into schools, further education, and the workforce had a profound impact on the relationship between their parents and the broader British community. It marked a significant shift, as for the first time, British citizens could engage with immigrant children as peers, free from the constraints of social conditioning, racism, and prejudice. This era fostered a curiosity to understand and appreciate the culture of their South Asian friends.
Across the UK, this generation had the invaluable opportunity to embrace both their South Asian heritage and British culture, gaining knowledge, wisdom, and enjoyment from both worlds.
The Established
3rd Generation
Here we experience the grandchildren of the settlers, These young individuals represent a generation that has enjoyed the benefits of successful integration, reaping the rewards of their predecessors' hard work.
They have grown up fully immersed in both English and global culture, with the freedom to choose their own paths and explore a world of possibilities. Unlike their forebears, they are not bound by the same expectations or loyalties to their communities and families. With technology at their fingertips, they can connect with anyone, anywhere, gaining exposure to diverse cultures like never before.
Yet, these freedoms come with their own challenges. In our collection, we introduce fictional characters who navigate the complexities of embracing multiple cultures while grappling with the feeling that they are losing a part of their own.
The Experience of a New Generation
Balancing two worlds, they navigate one culture at home and another outside, constantly adapting between the two. They defy expectations by pursuing unconventional careers and challenging traditional norms. Their style blends heritage with modernity, fusing traditional Asian dress with contemporary fashion.
Through social media, they share stories that redefine identity, while in love they cross cultural boundaries and question long-held beliefs. Some reconnect with their roots through meditation, yoga, and spirituality; others confront mental health issues once silenced in their communities.
Torn between honouring family legacy and forging new paths, they stand at a crossroads using their voice in activism, politics, and social justice to bridge the past with the future.
The Lives of Legends
Every immigrant carries a story—one shaped by where they arrived, where they made their home, and the world they navigated beyond their front door. Their lives were defined by the cultures they embraced or resisted, the work they found, the resources they had access to, and the deep, complex relationships they formed, first within their own communities for survival, and later with the English to foster collaboration.
Each artwork in this collection is a window into these lives. These are not just artistic interpretations but carefully crafted compositions built on decades of research, conversations, and firsthand experiences. Every piece captures the emotions, environments, and defining moments of these legends—preserving the essence of their journeys with accuracy, depth, and meaning.
The People
We showcase the diverse South Asian communities that migrated to the UK, highlighting their cultures, traditions, and faiths. These communities come from regions across India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Uganda, and Kenya, each bringing unique identities and rich heritage.
After World War II, South Asians from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Uganda, and Kenya migrated to the UK for better job opportunities, education, and a stable future. Some fled political unrest, seeking refuge, while others joined family members already settled in the UK. Historical ties to the British Empire and existing South Asian communities provided familiarity and support, making the UK an appealing destination
From India
Punjabi Sikhs: From Amritsar Gujaratis: From the state of Gujarat. Bengalis: From West Bengal & Bangladesh
Tamils: From Tamil Nadu. Keralites: From the state of Kerala.
Punjabi Hindus: From Punjab Indian Muslims: From Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Kerala.
From Pakistan
Pakistani : From Lahore, Faisalabad. Karachiites: From the Kashmir region. Sindhis: Sindhi from Sindh.
From Bangladesh
Sylhetis: from the Sylhet region in Bangladesh.
From Uganda
Asians: Expelled from Uganda in 1970s, Uganda descendants from Asians, Gujarat, Punjab, and other parts of India.
The Locations
The early settlers moved to various cities, towns, and regions across England. Our collection features these location as backdrops to our stories and art.
Some of the key locations and the communities that populated them:
London
East End: BrickLane & Whitechapel. Southall: Southall has a Punjabi Sikh and Indian community. Wembley: Wembley, known for its diverse Asian population. Ilford: This East London suburb has a notable South Asian presence.
Birmingham
Handsworth: Handsworth in Birmingham became a hub for Indians and Pakistanis. Sparkbrook: A significant South Asian population. Smethwick: known for its Punjabi and Pakistani communities
Manchester
Rusholme: Rusholme in Manchester is known for its "Curry Mile," with many South Asian restaurants and businesses.
Longsight: Longsight is another area in Manchester with a diverse South Asian presence.
Leicester
Belgrave: Belgrave in Leicester is home to a vibrant Indian and Gujarati community.
Other Locations :
Manningham in Bradford, Harehills in Leeds, Foleshill in Coventry, Arthur's Hill in Newcastle, Bury Park in Luton, Whitmore Reans in Wolverhampton, Page Hall in Sheffield, Normanton in Derby, Hyson Green in Nottingham, Slough, High Wycombe, Blackburn, Bolton & Preston.
The Faiths
Our collection showcases the diverse faiths of South Asian communities, highlighting their spiritual practices, places of worship, and the deep devotion that shaped their daily lives. Through art, we explore how these beliefs provided comfort, identity, and a sense of belonging in a new land.
Hindus
Hindus: A a significant number of Indian immigrants in the UK practice Hinduism. Bangladesh: The majority of Bangladeshis in the UK are Muslims, there is a minority Hindu population among them.
Sikhs
India (Punjab) : Sikhs are a prominent group in the UK.
Pakistan: There is a small Sikh community among Pakistani immigrants in the UK.
Muslims
Pakistan : Pakistani immigrants in the UK practice Islam.
Bangladesh: Bangladeshi immigrants in the UK are Muslims.
Christians
India: Some Indian immigrants, from regions like Goa and Kerala, practice Christianity. Pakistan: A minority of Pakistani immigrants in the UK practice Christianity.
These faiths offered a sense of structure, community, and purpose, helping them navigate the challenges of immigration, form close-knit social networks, and find solace in familiar traditions. Additionally, their religious values often emphasized principles of compassion, hospitality, and charity, which extended not only to their own communities but also contributed to their integration and positive contributions to British society, fostering a sense of unity and mutual respect.
The Culture
The immigrants from South Asian countries brought with them a rich variety of cultural traditions, including music, fashion, food, film, and more. At the same time, they embraced and adapted to Western forms of culture, creating a unique blend of influences.
In our collection we feature how this community over the three generations experienced :
Fashion
Traditional attire like sarees, kurta-pajamas, and sherwanis remained essential for special occasions, while everyday wear incorporated Western styles, leading to a unique blend of both cultures.
Food
South Asian cuisine became a staple in the UK, with immigrants opening restaurants and grocery stores that introduced British society to dishes like curry, biryani, and tandoori.
Film
Immigrants contributed to British cinema, producing films that explored themes of identity, cultural clashes, and the immigrant experience, merging traditional storytelling with Western filmmaking.
Traditions
Festivals like Diwali, Eid, and Durga Puja remained central to South Asian communities and became part of the UK’s cultural landscape, fostering awareness and appreciation.
Language
Many South Asian immigrants preserved their native languages while also learning English, bridging generations and maintaining cultural ties.
The Workers
The early settlers played a crucial role in various sectors in England. Their contributions spanned from labor-intensive work to specialised jobs, entrepreneurship, and even management roles. These contributions reflect the diverse skills and talents that South Asian settlers brought to the UK and how they integrated into various sectors of British society.
We visually share their insights in working in different sectors including :
Factories
Textile Mills: In cities like Manchester, Bradford, and Leicester, working as machine operators, weavers. Steel Mills: Working as laborers and machine operators. Foundries: Working in metal casting & molding operations. Food Processing: In food packaging & processing.
Health Care
Nursing: South Asian women pursued careers in nursing, working in hospitals and healthcare facilities. Medical Professionals: As doctors, dentists, and pharmacists.
Hospitality
Restaurants: In small restaurants and cafes. Occasion
Venues: Hotel management and catering businesses.
Shops
Grocery Stores: Set up grocery stores Specialty Stores: Established specialty shops.
Transport and Engineering
Railways: Many immigrants worked on the construction of railway tracks and stations. Engineering: They were employed as engineers and technicians.
The Inovators
We celebrate the visionary men and women whose entrepreneurial spirit has transformed industries and paved the way for future generations. We find diligent and determined individuals who have become self-made entrepreneurs, leaders of industry, and true pillars of their communities
These hard-working men and women have not only made a substantial impact on the cultural and economic landscape but have also earned the utmost respect from their English peers and colleagues. Through resilience, innovation, and ambition, they have carved their own path to success, setting the bar high for all who follow.
Here are some of the legendary figures who may feature in this collection.
Sanjeev Gupta - GFG Alliance
Karan Bilimoria - Cobra Beer
Gulu Lalvani - Royal Phuket Marina
Meera Ganatra - Melrose Law
Shriti Vadera - SVB Advisory
Lord Gulam Noon - Noon Products
Dr. Chai Patel - HC-One
Sir Anwar Pervez - Bestway Group
Surinder Arora - Arora Group
Kirit Pathak - Patak's
Saran Kohli - Notting Hill Housing Trust
Rajesh Agrawal - Xendpay
Sunny Ahuja - HKS Retail Ltd.
Tej Lalvani - Vitabiotics
Dr. Rami Ranger - Sun Mark Ltd.
Dr. Tej Kohli - Kohli Ventures
Tony Fernandes - AirAsia Group
Lord Popat - House of Lords
Dr. Rabinder Buttar - Clintec International
Sujata Rana - The Eaton Fund
Naveen Jain - Viome
Anita Choudhrie - Stellar International Art
CB Patel - Gujarat Samachar
Jasminder Singh - Radisson Hotel Group
Nat Puri - Montagu Private Equity
The Creatives
We celebrate and pay tribute to
courageous artists who dared to defy convention and embrace their roots as uk asians and express their personalities through music.
UK Asians pioneered a groundbreaking fusion of sound, blending the depth of Indian classical, folk, and devotional music with the influences of their British upbringing — from rock and reggae to jazz, hip-hop, and electronic dance.
Bollywood-inspired melodies merged with R&B and garage to shape new genres like the Asian Underground of the 1990s, where tabla met breakbeats, sitar infused electronic soundscapes, and ghazal vocals intertwined with jazz. This hybrid sound became a powerful cultural statement, a bridge between two worlds.
Our collection will feature musicians through direct collaboration.
Zayn Malik - Singer and Songwriter (Bradford)
Riz Ahmed - Actor and Musician (London)
Nitin Sawhney - Musician and Composer (London)
Akram Khan - Dancer and Choreographer (London)
Anish Kapoor - Contemporary artist (London)
Daljit Nagra - Poet (London)
Mona Arshi - Poet (West London)
Bobby Friction - Radio Presenter and DJ (Harrow)
David Adjaye - Architect and designer (London)
Shahid Naughty Boy - Music Producer, Watford
Shammi Pithia - Music Composer
Salim Malik - Oldham
The Rebels
Our collection celebrates the rebels and non-conformists whose curiosity about English culture reshaped identity and belonging. Arriving in a time of political, cultural, and creative change, the early settlers and first generation found inspiration in the freedom of Western art, music, sport, and film, often in contrast to the structured worlds they left behind.
Some explored these influences privately, others embraced them openly through fashion, cuisine, politics, and relationships. In doing so, they not only redefined themselves but also helped bridge cultural divides, giving Britain a deeper understanding of their community beyond race and class.
Unbeknownst to them, these rebels played an essential role in bridging the gap between South Asian values and English culture. Their energy, curiosity, and adventurous spirit inspired others to challenge conventions, make their voices heard, and foster trusting relationships with the English.
Some of their activities and experiences with English culture from 1945 to 1990 include:
Fashion experimentation with clothing styles.
Attending rock 'n' roll concerts and dances.
Exploring British cuisine and adopting some dishes.
Joining local sports clubs and teams.
Engaging in political discussions and grassroots movements.
Forming cross-cultural friendships and relationships.
Embracing British pop music and dancing.
Participating in local festivals and parades.
Volunteering for charity work in the English community.
Becoming involved in English political campaigns.
Embracing the English pub culture.
The Innocence
Our collection captures the lives and perspectives of young children, teenagers, and young adults — offering a glimpse into their world, what they see, experience, and are drawn to at home and beyond.
Raised with strong values in faith, language, discipline, respect, family loyalty, and cultural celebration, they developed the resilience to thrive in the UK. Yet, like many in their community, they navigate the complexities of two cultures balancing tradition with modern life. This duality shapes their challenges, opportunities, and the rich identities they continue to form.
We include the following aspects of their experience:
Cultural Identity: Balancing their Asian heritage
Language: Navigating between languages
Bullying: Dealing with racial or cultural bullying or discrimination from peers.
Diversity: Negotiating between their family's cultural values in the UK.
Cultural Traditions: Struggling to uphold traditions.
Religious Practices: Explaining religious practices.
Stereotyping: Coping with stereotypes and about their culture, religion, or appearance.
Racial Profiling: Experiencing scrutiny or profiling based on their appearance, name, or background.
Sports Participation: Encountering potential bias or challenges in sports.
We also convey their pressure to succeed, community Involvement, holidays, intercultural relationships, parental aspirations.
The Emotions
In our collection, we show you some intimate moments where people, their friends and families interact at specific moments, both monumental and mundane. We momentarily step into their inner world and experience their emotions.
It’s natural that those who left their homes, families, and ancestral lands endured deep physical, psychological, and spiritual loss. Yet they adapted quickly, focusing on preservation, security, and building a new life. Their children inherited the echoes of that journey, the emotions, passions, and cultural shifts that shaped their upbringing and the contrasts they experienced daily while growing up between two worlds.
We see people sharing feelings:
The Sadness and Joys of Marriages.
Experiencing Racial Conflict and Defiance.
Attaining Home and Business Ownership.
The Heartache of Contacting Loved Ones in Asia.
The Tearful Goodbyes at Airports and the Arrival in England.
Celebrating the Birth of Newborns, the First Generation.
The Anxiety of Uncertainty in a Foreign Land.
The Fun of Communities Experiencing England.
Additional Experiences that Evoke Emotions:
Navigating Language Barriers and Learning English.
Adapting to British Cuisine and Food Habits.
The Excitement of Children's First Day in British Schools.
Struggles and Achievements in Employment.
Making Lifelong Friends and Supportive Communities.
Coping with Homesickness and Missing Traditions.
Overcoming Stereotypes and Perceptions.
Encountering the British Healthcare System.
Coping with the Loss of Elders and Honoring Their Memory.
These experiences capture the emotional journey, reflecting the depth of their resilience and the vibrancy of their journeys.
The Fathers
We pay tribute to the fathers, men of diverse communities and faiths whose strength shaped generations. Stepping briefly into their inner world, we glimpse their emotions, sacrifices, and resilience.
They carried the heavy roles of providers, leaders, and role models, working tirelessly in harsh conditions to secure stability for their families. Through their courage, wisdom, and integrity, they built safe homes and passed down enduring values that continue to guide their children today.
They faced the harsh reality of securing livelihoods, often taking on difficult and exhausting work in unimaginable conditions. Yet they showed quiet heroism, creating safety, stability, and instilling strong moral values within their families.
Their sacrifices, love, and courage laid the foundation for the South Asian community’s growth and harmonious integration over three generations. These fathers deserve lasting recognition — their resilience and determination remain truly remarkable.
We show our fathers -
In the workplace.
Forming communities.
Enjoying friendships.
Taking care of family.
Moments of sadness.
Experiencing pain and loss.
Evolving mentally.
Integrating within English society.
Celebrating their courage.
The Mothers
In this collection, we showcase the mothers from our diverse communities who are at the heart of our Made in England story, they are central figures of the household. Often unassuming yet unwavering, she is the nurturer, the caregiver, the cornerstone upon which family members build a sense of safety, love, and expression.
We pay a special tribute to mothers across generations, especially the early settlers and immigrants. Their strength, endurance, and resilience in the face of upheaval and challenges deserve recognition and respect, etching their stories into history for all to draw inspiration from.
Some of the highlights include mothers creating homes, nurturing their children, fostering sibling bonds, engaging in community life, pursuing work, nourishing their families, enjoying moments of leisure, and practicing their faith.
Mothers making their homes.
Mother with their Children.
Mothers with siblings.
Mothers in community settings.
Mothers working.
Mothers feeding the family.
Mothers having fun.
Mothers practising their faith.
We also convey their pressure to succeed, community Involvement, holidays, intercultural relationships, parental aspirations.
Testament
"Made in England" is a testament to the evolving narrative of immigration, adaptation, and integration. It encapsulates the journey from the first settlers to the present day.
THE ARTWORK
VISUAL STORIES BOUGHT TO LIFE
Using AI technology, digital editing, & fine art storytelling Jai presents history through a new lens.
Over 20 years, Jai has built a vast body of work reflecting his life through layered, story-driven aesthetics. Beginning in 1997, he documented his cultural experiences in a journal, aiming to one day honour them through art.
Now, with AI applications and cutting edge artistic methods, Jai intergrates his traditional practices to develop life like art that were once ideas in his journal and imagination. He crafts compositions that invite the viewer to experience and feel the journeys of those depicted, almost being there in their world.
THE ARTIST
BORN TO CREATE ART
This project is the result of over three decades of devotion by artist and son of Indian immigrants, Jai Sol.
From the age of ten, Jai intuitively knew he was witnessing something extraordinary a moment in history unfolding before his eyes. He was deeply compelled by the world around him as his parents and their peers, fellow south Asians settled into England.
He was fascinated by their lives, the blend of tradition and adaptation, the contrast between home and English culture, and the spectrum of spiritual beliefs that surrounded him. These layered experiences, full of contradictions and revelations, shaped his understanding of identity and belonging. Aware of their significance, he absorbed every detail, preserving it in memory.
THE JOURNAL
A MILLION LIFETIMES ON PAPER
Made in England has been in develpment from 1997 documented in a visual journal.
In his early teens, Jai began documenting his experiences through sketches, photography, and interviews, turning observation into art. As his curiosity deepened, he immersed himself in South Asian communities across England, meeting thousands and recording their stories.
Over time, he met thousands of people, recorded their stories, and captured the essence of their lives. His documentation also became a historical archive with visual references to places, fashion, lifestyles & events, a rich body of identity, transformation, and history.