The Hidden Heritage of Smethwick: A Photowalk

Ever wanted to expand your creative skillset and become a history-hunting detective all in one day? If so, this is the workshop for you!

Join your hosts Geoff Broadway and Tom Hicks as they guide you around Smethwick on the hunt for hidden heritage tucked away in plan view. Plus, Geoff and Tom will share their top tips to help your photography stand out.

Fun, creative and unique, this will be an engaging way to expand your knowledge of your local area!

Join us for this workshop, and you’ll get the chance to:

• Explore hidden historical sites in Smethwick and capture them on camera

• Learn about your local history

• Develop your photography skills

• Learn from our friendly professionals, and share your own knowledge with fellow creative minds!

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YOUR HOSTS

Geoff Broadway is a UK-based artist, filmmaker, project director, mentor and coach with over 25 years of experience working in the arts, heritage and education sectors. He has lectured in the field of photograph, design and interactive technologies in the UK and New Zealand, and has undertaken several major artist residencies including Durham Cathedral and Medio-Lab Prado, Madrid. He is the founder and the current director of the Living Memory Project CIC which specialises in recording life stories alongside personal photographs to create publications, exhibitions, films and events across the UK. The Living Memory Project work with oral historians, storytellers, photographers, artists and filmmakers to produce projects that celebrate the rich lives and experiences of ordinary people from all walks of life and different cultural backgrounds.

Tom Hicks is the artist behind the documentary photography project Black Country Type. His work explores the post-industrial landscape of the region, focusing on words, typography, handmade lettering, and signs. He also photographs ‘types’ of architectural features, objects and structures. Influenced by psychogeography, his photographs are taken on regular ‘drifts’ through the Black Country, typically by bicycle. His work has been published and exhibited widely, most recently in the photobook I.D.S.T (The Modernist, 2020) and The Dereliction (Hercules Editions, 2021), a collaboration with the poet Liz Berry. Wolverhampton Art Gallery staged a solo exhibition of his work in 2020.

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ADDITIONAL INFO

Where is this event happening?

We’ll be meeting at the Sandwell Archives for a brief introduction, before heading out for the guided walking workshop.

Do I need to bring anything?

Camera equipment won’t be provided, please bring your own. Whether it’s a smartphone or a film camera, all are welcome!

Please bring any snacks or refreshments you may need for the duration of the two-hour session. This session will be mostly outdoors, so please dress appropriately and wear suitable footwear.

• Camera (phone, film, digital etc)

• Any snacks or refreshments

• Suitable footwear

• Weather appropriate clothing (waterproofs/hats/suncream)

What happens if it rains?

This event will go ahead rain or shine. We strongly suggest you check the forecast ahead of time, and prepare for rain if necessary – don’t forget waterproofs and a brolly!

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ABOUT MADE IN SMETHWICK

Made in Smethwick is an exciting season of events and activities taking place in and around Smethwick, highlighting the rich global history of local area.

Focusing on stories relating to two former industrial sites – Chance Brothers Glassworks and Soho Foundry and Mint – the events are a chance for people to explore the town’s industrial heritage, discover the history of their neighbourhood, and share their own ideas about what it’s like to live, work, and grow up in the area.

VIEW THE FULL PROGRAMME

This isn’t the only event! Check out the full programme here.

THANKS TO…

This project has been funded by the UK Government through the UK Community Renewal Fund.

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HAVE YOUR SAY: HOW SHOULD OUR OLD INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS BE USED?

Chance Heritage Trust is on a mission to raise the cultural profile of Smethwick’s industrial heritage, and bring former industrial buildings – like the iconic Chance Glassworks – back into use within the community.

Now, with help from the Community Renewal Fund, Chance Heritage Trust is starting to develop plans for the Chance Glassworks site.

This survey is part of a wider programme of community consultation, which will help to shape these plans.

How would you like to see these buildings used? And, apart from living and working spaces, what kind of opportunities and facilities should they contain for community use?

Fill out this short survey to have your say.