“There is power in mapping and writing history; who writes it and who shapes it?”

                                                                                                                              Maddi Nicholson

Buildings are fundamental to defining the character and identity of a place; they almost hold within them the memories, stories, and experiences of those who pass and interact with them. Documenting and preserving the histories of buildings allows us to reflect on the past and envision the future.

If These Walls Could Talk was an exhibition celebrating the culmination of two mini heritage projects celebrating two important buildings in Barrow-in-Furness, one modest with, nevertheless, its own special place in local social history, the Walney Shelter, on Central Drive, Walney Island; and, in contrast, one that is listed and widely admired, The Nan Tait Centre (the former Technical College, 1903-1964, before it moved to Thorncliffe Road).

Supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund through Westmorland and Furness Council’s ‘Micro to Mighty’ grants programme, and the UK Government through the Know Your Neighbourhood programme, Art Gene has explored these buildings’ histories to encourage residents to celebrate them, share their memories and preserve them for the future.

The Walney Shelter, located on the Promenade on Walney Island, is a living monument to life and culture in the area. Despite its unclear original use, it has served as a site for proclamation and for waiting, meeting, sheltering, courting, observing and more… Among its local advocates is Walney Island Councillor, Frank Cassidy, who emphasises the importance of preserving the shelter. As he says, “it is a part of Walney’s heritage – it stands at the gateway to the island and has been a silent witness to decades of our history”.

Similarly, the Nan Tait Centre has helped shape many lives, initially as a Technical College, providing technical and vocational education to Vickers shipyard workers and later, as the home of Barracudas Carnival Band (1998 – 2012) and Art Gene artists (1998 – today). It also currently houses the Registry Office, Women’s Community Matters and BarrowFull.

The exhibition brought together the histories and memories of these buildings to life through a collection of artefacts, found objects, artworks, and recorded memories from residents. It invited us to reflect on the past, contemplate the future, and to share our hopes for these buildings that form part of our civic life. Click here to view the list of the works and exhibiting artists. Click here to view the timeline detailing significant dates for the Walney Shelter and the Technical College.

Furnaces and Crucibles used in Metallurgy School,  If These Walls Could Talk exhibition, 2024. Photo: Rachael Barker