Lascar Research Project

The Lascar Research Project is a groundbreaking community-led investigation into the untold stories of South Asian sailors (Lascars) who worked in the UK during the British Empire, sparked by the discovery of a cast iron 'LASCARS ONLY' toilet plaque from 1890s Glasgow. Working as a Changemaker (Designer and Researcher) in partnership with Our Shared Cultural Heritage (OSCH), Glasgow Life Museums, National Museums Scotland, and Royal Museums Greenwich, I combined academic research with creative outputs including a collaborative magazine and illustrated zine that brought these maritime histories to life. The project uncovered powerful stories of exploitation and resilience, revealing how Lascars faced discriminatory practices like lower pay and worse working conditions while making vital contributions to British maritime history. Through careful archival research, public presentations, and creative interpretations, we helped establish these forgotten sailors' rightful place in Scottish history, with our work culminating in an award-winning book that won the 2023 Museums Association 'Museums Change Lives' award and was shortlisted for the Scottish Research Book of the Year by the Saltire Society. This UKRI-funded project demonstrates how combining design, research and community engagement can illuminate forgotten histories while creating meaningful connections between historical research and modern audiences.