Iconic photographs of work-class Boltonians has inspired a special workshop open to the public.
The creative session draws on the Worktown photographs of the 1930s taken by Humphrey Spender and explores the Mass Observation project's - of which the photographs are a part - attempt to create an 'Anthropology of Ourselves' through words and images.
Those wishing to take part in the writing workshop are invited to bring their own photographs of Bolton's landmarks to inspire them.
This workshop, which is part of the Being Human Festival, is for anyone interested in finding their own creative voice and connecting with Bolton’s heritage through storytelling.
People can attend this workshop in-person at Bolton Central Library, or online on Thursday, November 7.
To attend online please email r.harris@bolton.ac.uk to receive the joining link.
READ MORE: Worktown Life - look out Bolton, you're being watched!
Worktown study reveals the complex world of Bolton's pubs
A related literary heritage workshop will take place in the morning from 10am-noon - Find out more about 'Bolton's Literary Legacies'.
This is an opportunity to explore Bolton’s hidden literary history in fun, interactive ways and to find out more about the original Mass Observation project.
Organisers say the sessions are an opportunity to explore Bolton’s rich cultural heritage in fun, interactive ways, dive into creative writing inspired by iconic Worktown photographs, or respond to the questions from the original Mass Observation project.
For more information on how to get involved, please visit: https://www.beinghumanfestival.org/events/stories-ourselves
https://www.beinghumanfestival.org/events/boltons-literary-legacies or contact, Rebecca Harris, Research Assistant, University of Bolton, School of Arts, r.harris@bolton.ac.uk
Mass Observation established a team of researchers in a rented house in Bolton, 85 Davenport Street, who worked under the direction of Tom Harrisson, the head of the investigation.
These researchers, or ‘observers’ - some from the south of England and some from Bolton – were sent out each day to collect information on people’s activities, taking their reports back to Davenport Street each evening.
Mass Observation gave the name of Worktown to Bolton because, in Tom words “it was a town that existed because of and for work”.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here