Exhibition explores how trade shaped Bilston
Released: 22 August 2007
Wolverhampton City Council archives staff are putting the finishing touches to a fascinating exhibition exploring how the history of Bilston has been shaped by the 'trades' of the area.
From the heavy industries of GKN Sankey and Bilston Steelworks, through to the shops and services established to cater for local people's needs and tastes; the Trades of Bilston exhibition combines the memories of local people and their experiences of living and working in Bilston alongside archives and artefacts supplied by Wolverhampton Archives and Local Studies.
Drawings by Bilston-born artist Dave Gunning and prints by Harry Eccleston also illustrate the magnitude of industry in Bilston while photographs of Bilston Steelworks by Nick Hedges are more personal in their approach and explore the camaraderie which existed between workers.
The exhibition is on the first floor of Bilston Craft Gallery, Mount Pleasant, and runs from Saturday, September 8, until Friday, October 6. The official opening takes place at 11.30am on September 8, and features a talk by Lord Bilston and Dave Gunning.
The exhibition is part of the Black Country Archives project, Documenting the Workshop of the World, supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund.
For gallery opening times please call 01902 552507.
Issued by the press office.
|