Residents’ photos and memories will feature in display at the Orchard Centre
Amy Lumb on Orchard Park(Image: Joe Sheehan)
A new exhibition exploring the history of Hull’s Orchard Park through the stories, memories and photographs of former and current residents will take place at the estate’s Orchard Centre later this month. Local arts charity Back to Ours worked with residents over the summer to uncover and celebrate the real stories of the estate, from its beginnings in the 1960s to the present day, to create We Are Orchard Park.
People were invited to share memories and photos of life on “OPE”, remembering friendships and families, and the homes, shops and community spaces that shaped the area. From Wednesday to Friday, October 21 to 23, visitors to the exhibition can view the archive material on display and pick up a free copy of a commemorative zine created for the project.
Staff will be on hand to speak to attendees and record additional stories from residents. The exhibition will also feature a model of Laxthorpe high-rise flats – both the zine and model have been created by local artist, Joe Sheehan, whose family has strong connections to Orchard Park.
Louise Yates, artistic director and CEO of Back to Ours, said: “Plenty of people have an opinion of Orchard Park: positive, negative and everything in between. We wanted to speak to the people who know the estate best, to tell their stories and highlight the places that held important memories for them.
“The team had many fascinating conversations with residents over the summer, uncovering those real experiences – the big things and the little things of everyday life. Friends, neighbours, family, community – it’s all here on display. We’re grateful to everyone who came along and chatted to us and shared their photos and memories.”
We Are Orchard Park has been funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, with additional support provided by Pride in Place Orchard Park for the use of the Orchard Centre. The exhibition is free to attend and booking is not required; it is open from 11am to 4opm each day.
Following the exhibition at the Orchard Centre, 210 Orchard Park Road, Hull, HU6 9BX, the display will later be moved to Hull History Centre.