On the 2nd July 2026 Sir Keir Starmer delivered a formal national apology for the UK state’s role in the historical forced adoptions. The apology acknowledged that between 1949 and 1976 and estimated 185,000 unmarried mothers in England and Wales were coerced, bullied, or misled into giving up their babies. The lasting impact of those decisions for birth mothers and their children is incalculable and there are many mothers who have suffered a lifetime of sorrow and regret.
As one of the babies given up for adoption during the 1950s, I have for some time been researching the experiences of other adoptees who like me, at times struggle to come to terms with the consequences of adoption.
During previous exhibitions of my work, I have had the privilege of speaking to many people who can relate to adoption, either by having been adopted themselves or having a family member that was adopted or knowing of someone who was adopted. They have related stories which have had an impact on me and encouraged me to continue my dialogue on this theme.
It will be interesting to exhibit in a former church because it was the collective Christian ‘Church’ as well as the government that made it socially unacceptable at that time for single unmarried mothers to keep their babies. These women were regarded as immoral and unfit to be mothers and it was ‘better for baby’ to be brought up in a ‘proper’ family with a mother and father.
My work in the exhibition will touch on various aspects of adoption; from the many unknown fathers who escaped the blame and the shame…some childhood memories…embroidered extracts from letters between mothers…an empty cot…together with thoughts from adoptees.
It will be good to hear your comments!