A broken teaset, carefully pieced together and gilded with gold, has come to represent the journeys of refugees in a new campaign being rolled out for Refugee Week in the United Kingdom. The initiative, entitled “Fragments of Hope”, is the latest collaboration between UK for UNHCR—the UK arm of the UN’s Refugee Agency—and acclaimed artist Billie Bond. Using the traditional Japanese technique of Kintsugi, the campaign seeks to convey how lives, fractured by conflict and displacement, can be put back together in beautiful, resilient ways.
Kintsugi, which translates as “to repair with gold,” is a centuries-old Japanese art form that repairs broken pottery with lacquer mixed with gold, silver or platinum powder. Rather than concealing the cracks, Kintsugi highlights them, transforming once-damaged objects into unique and meaningful works of art. For this campaign, Bond was commissioned to assemble a teaset using fragments contributed by refugees from around the world. Each piece of china carries its own journey and history, now intricately woven together with shimmering gold seams.
The fragments that make up the “Fragments of Hope” teaset have a unique provenance. They were gathered from Ukrainians, Syrians, Pakistanis, Afghans, and Sudanese refugees now living in Britain. Each cup, saucer and plate reflects a deeply personal story: Viktoriia, a Ukrainian community development coordinator; Ayman, a self-taught Syrian filmmaker; Sadia, an award-winning artist from Pakistan; Bashir, a Sudanese poet and musician; and Frozan and Victoria, an Afghan mother-daughter duo dedicated to supporting others through interpretation and business mentoring.
At a time when the UN estimates more than 122 million individuals have been forced to flee their homes worldwide, the “Fragments of Hope” artwork serves as both a literal and metaphorical reminder of refugee experiences. While the cracks and breaks remain visible, the use of gold turns these perceived flaws into symbols of strength, survival and renewal. It sends a powerful message—not just about trauma and loss—but about resilience, creativity and the ability to rebuild after unimaginable hardship.
Speaking about her involvement with the project, Billie Bond reflected on the power of the Kintsugi process as a metaphor for recovery and transformation: “Kintsugi has always symbolised resilience and the acceptance of life’s imperfections. This Refugee Week, it stands as a poignant tribute to the determination and hope of those forced to leave everything behind.” The physical mending of the teaset communicates a deeper narrative about community, healing and shared humanity.
Emma Cherniavsky, Chief Executive at UK for UNHCR, highlighted the campaign’s broader significance. She described “Fragments of Hope” as an evocative illustration of what refugees go through, emphasising how people rebuild “with strength, dignity and hope, even after the deepest fractures.” The artwork is not only about looking back at pain, but also about looking forward to what can be achieved anew, underscoring the positive impact refugees bring to their adopted communities.
This singular artwork isn’t just destined for display. In a move designed to further its message, UK for UNHCR will award the “Fragments of Hope” teaset to one lucky competition winner, encouraging wider reflection about inclusion and the valuable contributions made by refugees across the UK. Details of how to enter can be found through UK for UNHCR’s official channels.
Refugee Week provides an annual opportunity to celebrate the courage, creativity and spirit of refugees, while raising much-needed awareness of the ongoing global displacement crisis. Campaigns such as “Fragments of Hope” help to humanise statistics and headlines, inviting the public to see beyond numbers and instead understand the remarkable stories of adaptation and healing that lie beneath.
As the ongoing conflicts around the world continue to displace millions, initiatives like this bear witness to the endurance of those who must rebuild their lives far from home. At its heart, “Fragments of Hope” is not just an art installation, but a call to recognise the beauty that can emerge from repair, the value of difference, and the strength to be found in unity amidst adversity.