In many respects Kentish Town is typical of other London neighbourhoods in that its population and infrastructural development expanded exponentially from the mid-19th century into the 20th century – but it’s also unique in terms of what has been preserved.
Our project – Many Cultures, One Community – hopes to give history walks, recording and re-enacting the stories about the area, to mark the people and events that shaped a community which, although segregated by a hidden river and visible divides, still hangs together as much as it sits apart.
So yes, Kentish Towners will have the opportunity to connect with the history of the area where they live, and find out about what life used to be like, what’s changed and what’s remains true of Kentish Town. We will then share our knowledge through performing arts in a Carnival event in the Autumn on Talacre Gardens, and in a roaming portable exhibition.
So how is all this possible? Well, the Thanet Youth and Community Centre has received £25,000 funding by The Heritage Lottery Fund’s Young Roots scheme, in partnership with the Camden and Holborn Local Archives and Study Centre. Under 25’s are invited to sign up to workshops where they can opt to learn skills such as research (including interview technique, oral history recording and editing, curating an exhibition) and performing arts. First-rate academics and researchers, archivists, actors and theatre directors will be involved, while national and local organisations from the British Library and the Bishopsgate Institute are backing the project.
We will make all decisions together on the presentation of the pictures, diary and letter extracts collected by the young researchers, and how to best trace the story of the development of Kentish Town over the past 60 years, since the Second World War.
We believe the project is the only one of its kind. It’s wonderful that the Heritage Lottery appreciates the talent of young people who live and study locally, and the value of the stories our wiser and older neighbours have yet to tell us.
Words by Sara Newman, project co-ordinator of Many Cultures One Community.
Want to get involved? Email her here.
