By Ibrahim S. Bangura
Sierra Leone: A photo exhibition held from 26th to 28th September at 19 Walpole Street in Freetown, offered visitors a rare glimpse into Sierra Leone’s rich and often overlooked visual history. Organized by Old Photos of Sierra Leone in collaboration with Shelters Cafe and Workspace, the event aimed to educate and inspire younger generations by showcasing images of a bygone era that many today find hard to imagine.
Curated by Grigorios Delichristos—affectionately known as Gregory—the exhibition is an extension of the Old Photos of Sierra Leone digital platform, launched in 2021 to collect and preserve historical photographs before they are lost to time. “The platform was created to gather old images of Sierra Leone from around the world, ensuring they are not misplaced, damaged, or destroyed,” Gregory explained.
Since its inception, the platform has evolved into a global community effort, amassing contributions from over 200,000 individuals. These “little visual treasures” document Sierra Leone’s landscapes, people, culture, and everyday life. The 2025 exhibition, the third since 2022, featured a curated selection of photographs accompanied by detailed narratives that brought their stories to life—from bustling marketplaces and pristine beaches to colonial-era infrastructure.
Gregory emphasized that the exhibition is more than a nostalgic journey—it’s a call to reflection and responsibility. With young people comprising 44% of Sierra Leone’s population, the images are intended to provoke thought and inspire action. “By looking at these photos, people can ask themselves, ‘What do I want to do with my life? What legacy do I want to leave for my children?’” he said.
The contrast between past and present was striking. Once-pristine areas like Susan’s Bay have undergone dramatic transformations. Photographs of clean streets, lush landscapes, and functioning domestic flights and train services from the colonial era serve as poignant reminders of what once was. “When you see Victoria Park in its former beauty, you think, ‘I want to live there.’ Without seeing the past, it’s hard to reflect on the future or know where you want to go,” Gregory noted.
For Gregory, these images are more than historical records—they are tools for inspiration and dialogue. “Every generation has a collective responsibility. These photos help us understand where we are now and inspire us to leave a legacy for future generations,” he stressed.
The exhibition resonated deeply with attendees, offering both young and old Sierra Leoneans a chance to reconnect with their roots and envision a brighter, more sustainable future. “Unless young people see these images up close, they won’t believe it. They won’t understand where we’ve come from,” Gregory concluded.
The event stands as a testament to the power of visual storytelling in preserving heritage and shaping national identity.