QueenSpark Books will create a one-stop online photographic heritage archive, bringing together historic and contemporary images of the city’s architecture with accounts of the lives of ordinary people. The project has come about in response to hundreds of requests each year for historic pictures of Brighton and Hove and more submissions of residents’ own pictures than can be handled.

The project aims to co-ordinate and integrate web access to current collections of historic photographs, including those at Brighton & Hove Museum and Libraries, together with collections from individuals. These will be augmented by historical information and recorded interviews creating a unique archive of the life of the city and its people through the years.
 
For the Heritage Lottery Fund, Stuart McLeod, Head of HLF South East England, said: “Brighton & Hove residents have a large appetite for images and information about their city in years gone by. This project will go a long way to satisfying that demand while providing training opportunities for those who wish to become involved in creating a people’s archive.”

Volunteers will be trained to collect, document and catalogue images and to carry out interviews with local people to create a living commentary about the changes that have occurred in the city’s physical landscape. The public will also be invited to submit contemporary photos of places throughout the city to match the historic ones in the archive. A selection of images will also be available in book form. Both the website and book should be ready for launch in mid 2011.

For QueenSpark Books, Development Director, John Riches, said: “QueenSpark are so excited to receive funding for this project, which was created in response to public demand; the result will enable local people, and those from around the world, to access a wonderful collection of photographic and oral testimony”.

Further information

HLF Press Office, Vicky Wilford on 020 7591 6046 / 07973 401937/ vickyw@hlf.org.uk or Phil Cooper on 07889 949 173.

John Riches, QueenSpark Books Development Directo on 01273 571 710.

Notes to editors

Using money raised through the National Lottery, the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) sustains and transforms a wide range of heritage for present and future generations to take part in, learn from and enjoy. From museums, parks and historic places to archaeology, natural environment and cultural traditions, we invest in every part of our diverse heritage. HLF has supported more than 33,900 projects, allocating over £4.4billion across the UK, with over £428 million granted in the South East alone.