THE extraordinary archive of working class Bolton in the 1930s— the ‘Worktown Archive’ — is being brought to life for today’s Boltonians by University of Bolton PhD researcher Caroline Edge.

The images from the Mass Observation movement capture ordinary people at work, rest, prayer, politics and play and are an invaluable resource to historians, photographers, sociologists, writers and artists.

Ms Edge’s research involves ensuring the fascinating images and the wide-ranging discussions about them involve the people of Bolton today.

A new community exhibition and workshop venue has opened until August 2 at Unit X7, Knowsley Street, Bolton and everyone is invited.

Ms Edge said: “We are collaborating with the museum and working to make the images as visible as possible because these photographs are a prominent part of the community’s history.

"Photographers are always interested in them but the images have the capacity to be a great resource to everyone in Bolton.

“The images show the town in time, and we can see how it has changed.

“Some observers have even seen their own relatives in the images. Some very elderly residents have been able to recall specific places.

“One lady was taken back to her youth at the famous ‘Palais de Danse’ in Bolton in the 1930s.

“The more the Worktown images are talked about, the more they come back to life.”

The exhibition is free and a different theme will be explored each day.

A variety of workshops including photography and work by the artist Liam Curtin take place during the week.

Workshops and activities are also free but must be booked in advance by email worktownobservation@gmail.com To find out more about the unique exhibition and events see worktownobservation.

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