100 Images of Migration gallery

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Girl and balloon, Chinatown, London, 1987

© Colin O'Brien

This picture was taken during the Chinese New Year Celebrations just off Gerrard Street.

Nearly 20 years later the man in the photograph saw the picture in one of my exhibitions and the next day the girl came to look at her picture. His name was Patrick, and the girl was Christine, his niece. She remembered looking up at the balloon all those years ago. It was an exciting experience for all of us. Christine is now a fully qualified dentist.