A newly acquired British Library archive reveals a 1992 letter from pioneering Trinidadian-British playwright Mustapha Matura, expressing concern over the gentrification of Ladbroke Grove, west London. Matura, the first British writer of colour to have a West End play, used the area, a hub for Caribbean creatives, as inspiration. He feared gentrification would destroy its unique character. The article highlights his career, his role in Black British theatre, and the area's transformation from a bohemian haven to one of rising house prices.
Pioneering London playwright decried gentrification of ‘writer’s paradise’
TheatreStageBritish LibraryLondonEnglandUKTrinidad and TobagoCulture
AI Summary
TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️A newly acquired British Library archive reveals a 1992 letter from pioneering Trinidadian-British playwright Mustapha Matura, expressing concern over the gentrification of Ladbroke Grove, west London. Matura, the first British writer of colour to have a West End play, used the area, a hub for Caribbean creatives, as inspiration. He feared gentrification would destroy its unique character. The article highlights his career, his role in Black British theatre, and the area's transformation from a bohemian haven to one of rising house prices.
Trending- 1 1960s: Mustapha Matura left Trinidad for UK.
- 2 1979: 'Welcome Home Jacko' play staged, Black Theatre Co-operative formed.
- 3 1992: Mustapha Matura wrote letter about gentrification.
- 4 2015-2019: Residents of Notting Hill received significant capital gains.
- 5 2019: Mustapha Matura died.
- 6 2024: Report on Notting Hill capital gains published.
- 7 2025-06-20: Article published about Matura's letter and archive.
- Loss of Ladbroke Grove's unique character
- Rising house prices in the area
- Impact on creative communities
- Preservation of Matura's legacy through the British Library archive
What: Mustapha Matura's 1992 letter expressing concern about gentrification in Ladbroke Grove; Matura was a pioneering Trinidadian-British playwright; his archive acquired by the British Library; Ladbroke Grove was a 'writer's paradise' and hub for Caribbean creatives; the area has since become synonymous with rising house prices.
When: 1992 (Matura's letter); 1960s (Matura left Trinidad, bohemian Ladbroke Grove); 1970s (bohemian Ladbroke Grove); 2019 (Matura died); 2024 (report on Notting Hill capital gains); 2015-2019 (period for capital gains report); 2025-06-20 (published date).
Where: Ladbroke Grove, west London, UK; West End, London; Royal Court, London; National Theatre, London; Rome, Italy; Tottenham Court Road, London; Trinidad; Portobello Road, London; Liverpool, UK; Manchester, UK; Newcastle, UK; Notting Hill, London.
Why: Matura feared gentrification would destroy the unique character and creative community of Ladbroke Grove; the area's transformation has led to rising house prices and loss of its bohemian nature.
How: Matura wrote a letter expressing his concerns; his archive was acquired by the British Library, revealing his thoughts and work; the article contrasts the past bohemian nature of Ladbroke Grove with its current gentrified state.