Recording the memories of those who worked in industries no longer existing in Islington.
Date: 10 April 2018
An oral history project is currently underway recording the memories of those who worked in industries no longer common or existing in Islington today.
Supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, the project 'Lost Trades of Islington,' is being run in partnership by London Met, AgeUK Islington and the Islington Heritage Service, giving students an excellent opportunity to learn about Islington's industrial history.
Home to industries now largely disappeared or disappearing - from printers to clockmakers and jewellers, Islington boasted many varied and skilled trades and professions. Conducting interviews with those who used to work in these industries, students from Social Professions and Media and Computing are participating in the project which will form the basis of an exhibition at Islington Museum.
The recordings from the interviews will also be used in a programme at the Drovers Activity Centre to inspire poetry, art and photography which will also form part of the exhibition. The transcripts will be lodged with Islington Heritage Service for long time preservation and allowing the public to access them.
Ivy May Reynolds, a Media and Communications BSc student at London Met, said: "Participating in the Oral History project has made me realise the wealth of knowledge and experience possessed by the older volunteers and contributors."
Professor John Gabriel, who teaches in Health and Social Care BSc and elected Chair of the UK Oral History Society is participating in the project along with Professor Jenny Harding. He said: "The Lost Trades project allows us to celebrate and acknowledge the role played by working people in making Islington what it is today.
"The Lost Trades of Islington project is an excellent opportunity for students to have experience of working with community organisations. We're confident that working on this kind of live project will be enjoyable as well as giving them a critical understanding and awareness of social issues and a range of skills that will serve them well in their chosen professions and in life generally."
