The Memory Collectors

16th and 23rd March 2024

 

The Memory Collectors aim was to engage the public in conversations and collect their stories related to Ormskirk. The Memory Collectors consisted of two artists with extensive community arts engagement experience, and a member of Ormskirk and District Family History Society. Their activities were designed to attract participants of all ages and can be held in various venues. These activities produced visually appealing results, such as collages of past and present shops, illustrated clocktower stories, and a mini archive of memory objects.

 

The themes centred on:

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• Around Town: Memories or family connections to shops, the market, pubs, cafés, or workplaces.

• Meet Me at the Clock Tower: An iconic landmark and popular meeting place.

• Keepsakes and Mementos: Objects kept as reminders of people or events connected to Ormskirk.

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So far, stories have been collected at two full-day community events, one at Ormskirk Library and the second at Ormskirk Parish Church, as well as through informal meetings and incidental conversations.

 

The collaboration with the family history society has been invaluable. Their display of curated artefacts and photographs within the artists' themes has sparked conversations and memories, providing inspiration for the artwork and written stories.