Swindon Museum and Art Gallery looks back at the town from the 50's

Swindon Museum and Art Gallery wants to undertake a project to explore photos of Swindon during the 60’s and 70’s.

The museum has a very large collection of photography. So far, little work has been done on the photographic collections that depict the town during the post-war period. They show the huge changes Swindon underwent in the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s and show the demolition of the old town centre, the construction of new buildings, roads and estates, and are a reminder of the shops, businesses and people who called Swindon home during that time.

Swindon Museum and Art Gallery will apply for funding to catalogue the collection and share the photographs with the people of Swindon through exhibitions and events.

Sophie Cummings, Curator of Swindon Museum and Art Gallery, says: “We find these photographs fascinating. They depict the town during a period of unprecedented growth and change, but this is a period we don’t currently reflect in our museum. Attitudes towards this period of Swindon can be quite strong, so we are really keen to hear what people think of these photos, and what they would like to see done with them”.

There will be four drop in events where you can talk to the curator, look through the photographs and share your ideas.

Come along, have a look, and tell us what you think!

Sessions are being held at Swindon Museum and Art Gallery, Covingham Library and Liden Library on:

•        Friday 10 August, 12.30 to 1.30pm, at Swindon Museum & Art Gallery, Bath Road

•        Saturday 11 August, 11.30am to 12.30pm at Swindon Museum & Art Gallery, Bath Road

•        Wednesday 15 August, 11am to 12noon at Liden Library, Barrington Close, Liden, SN3 6HF

•        Thursday 16 August, 12.30pm to 1.30pm at Covingham Library, St Paul's Drive, Covingham, SN3 5BY