A special exhibition will go on show next month to celebrate the centenary of Low Hill Estate.
The exhibition at Low Hill Library will trace the life of the estate through photos, maps and personal recollections and mark around 100 years since the first homes were built on the estate.
It is the result of a memories group set up at Low Hill Library as part of the wider Know Your Neighbourhood project, and thanks to the support of the Friends of Wolverhampton Archives.
The Mayor of Wolverhampton Councillor Craig Collingswood will be attending the launch event taking place on Wednesday 1 October from 2pm to 6pm, featuring an interactive art workshop led by Charlotte Webb. There will be a talk by the Friends of Wolverhampton Archives tracing the estate’s development at 3pm, followed by a poetry reading by Emma Purshouse. Entry is free and all are welcome.
The exhibition will remain on display at Low Hill Library until early next year, with visitors invited to explore the collection and immerse themselves in memories of working at Goodyear and Guy Motors, socialising at the Bushbury Arms, enjoying shows at the Clifton Cinema and the Penny Bike Park, shopping in Showell Circus, and attending local schools and churches.
Jen Lees, project lead for Know Your Neighbourhood at Wolverhampton Libraries, said: “We’ve amassed a fascinating archive of material thanks to the generosity of local people. This centenary display is an opportunity to share their stories and to celebrate the Low Hill community.”
Councillor Bhupinder Singh Gakhal, Cabinet Member for Resident Services, said: “This exhibition honours 100 years of neighbourhood life and gives everyone a chance to connect with their local heritage. I’d encourage residents of all ages to come along, reminisce, and contribute their own memories as we celebrate Low Hill’s centenary.”
The Know Your Neighbourhood project involves funding of up to £30 million and is designed to widen participation in volunteering and tackle loneliness in 27 disadvantaged areas across England. The funding comes from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and has been distributed by Arts Council England (ACE) in partnership with national charity Libraries Connected.
Wolverhampton Libraries was awarded £86,000 which has been used to create a range of social activities in libraries across the city including bereavement social groups, walking groups, arts and crafts sessions, menopause cafes, Diwali celebrations, and several local history groups focusing on distinct areas of the city, such as Low Hill.