The Dudley People’s Archive launches ‘Growing Up In Dudley’

We want you stories and images that reflect ordinary and extraordinary life in the town and what it is (and was) like to grow up in Dudley.

We are looking for photographs, videos, drawings, paintings, postcards, stories, poems and objects to include in an ever-evolving picture of the town and what it was like to grow up there.

We’d love to see any photos that you have locked away in your photo albums or maybe you’d like to share a story? 

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

If you have pictures of growing up we’d really like to see what you have. Maybe you have pictures of taking part in a parade, fete or event or images of the street where you lived.  From hanging out in your teenage bedroom, to stories about school days and first loves, we want to hear memories of being young in Dudley.

One of the areas we’re also really interested in are images of going out - so maybe you went to nightclubs like JB’s, Goldsmiths or attended Reggae Blues parties in the 70s, 80s & 90s. Lots of great bands have passed through and played in Dudley and it would be great to build a picture of the fashions, styles and music of the time.

As well as images and memorabilia from the past the archive are also looking to hear contemporary stories from people who live in the town.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED

Download a pack
Here you can download a worksheet that you can use with relatives or friends to help get inspiration and build a picture of what it was like to grow up in the town.

Here is a link to the ADULT worksheet.

Here is a link to the YOUNG PERSONS worksheet.

Email us
If you would like to email us then you can send photos / images or your story to dudleypeoplesarchive@gmail.com

If you have a story to tell
Maybe we could arrange a phone call or zoom meeting and record your story. We want to record people who are from the area and find out what gives Dudley such a unique character. We can do this online during lockdown.

Pictures don't have to be professional, we are looking for a rounded snapshot of life in Dudley that can illustrate what people’s life was like during the 20th and 21st century so don’t worry about the quality of your photos.

What will happen to my images and stories? The images will be displayed at CoLab Dudley on the High Street - a social lab space that opened just before the first lockdown in March 2020. The space exists to help imagine and nurture a kinder, more creative and connected High Street where curiosity and experimentation are warmly welcomed. 

The exhibitions: We are hosting 2 x exhibitions during November 2021 to celebrate all of the amazing content people have been sending to us.
Launching 4th November the first part of the exhibition will see submitted photographs displayed at CoLab Dudley on the High Street. The pictures and memories were collated during the lockdowns of 2020* /21 and show a vibrant glimpse of how we lived, worked, shopped and played in Dudley.

The second part of the exhibition, launching on the 18th November, will include a series of portraits by award-wining photographer Marta Kochanek, a quilt produced over four months by a group lead by textile artist Jan Norton, and further artworks and images.

Growing Up In Dudley - photos, memories and stories
Launch event: 4th November, 5-7.30pm - all welcome
Exhibition dates: 5th November - 17th November
Venue open: Monday, Wednesday- Friday 11am-3pm

Growing Up In Dudley - portraits and artworks
Launch event: 18th November, 5-7.30pm - all welcome
Exhibition dates: 19th November - 3rd December
Venue open: Monday, Wednesday- Friday 11am-3pm

By contributing you agree for your photos to be used for: Exhibitions, Press, Books & Zines and across our social media platforms.

I have another question or want to get involved:
Please contact David at dudleypeoplesarchive@gmail.com.

Download your inspiration worksheet below to help you get started

The Growing Up In Dudley project is supported via the National Lottery Heritage Fund, through the Townscape Heritage programme, and in partnership with Dudley Council.

The project, produced by Fused and CoLab Dudley, explores and celebrates Dudley’s rich heritage and vibrant present through photography, art, publications and stories.

For further information, visit: https://www.dudley.gov.uk