Pictures wanted for exhibition of youth culture in the Black Country

Organisers of a new social history project are hoping people will use lockdown to dig out more pictures like this to capture what it was like to grow up in the Black Country over the years.

Dudley People's Archive has launched the lottery-funded scheme to look at the lives of young people in a town which has seen more change than most in recent years.

Project founder David O'Coy is asking people to come forward with stories and images of life in the town depicting what it was like to grow up in Dudley.

Mr O'Coy said the pictures and memories would be used in a number of publications as well as in an exhibition in the town centre.

It is a joint venture by national arts magazine Fused and CoLab Dudley, which operates an exhibition space in Dudley High Street.

"The project will explore and celebrate Dudley’s rich heritage and vibrant present through photography, art, publications and stories," said Mr O'Coy.

"The team behind the project is hoping that the lockdown will offer an opportunity for people to look through their photo albums and share their memories."

Images provided so far include a group of young men in mod clothing waiting at he car park next to the old bus station in Fisher Street, a group of punks posing for a picture outside Martin's newsagent in High Street, young people partying at the legendary JB's nightclub, and some young men standing outside the well-known Jack Wall's barbershop at Five Ways Tipton.

Mr O'Coy said he would also love to see any video or cine footage which would help build a picture of growing up across the borough.

"We want to gather people’s stories that they’d like to share," he added.

"If anyone has pictures of growing up in any decade we’d really like to see them.

"It could be people taking part in events or images of the street where they lived. Or it could be people hanging out in their teenage bedroom, we really don’t mind.”

He said the group was particularly keen to see pictures of people on nights out, be it at one of the many long-lost music venues in the area, or at the famous Dudley Hippodrome.

Mr O'Coy said the project had set up a website featuring a number of tools, including questionnaires to help youngsters interview older people about their memories.

Mr O'Coy said his team was able to arrange the safe pick-up and return of pictures, or if people preferred they could send them in by email or post.

"We can do interviews online with people and, when allowed, hopefully in person," he said.

"We want to record people who are from the area and find out what gives Dudley such a unique character.”

He said many people had submitted some fantastic pictures through the Dudley People's Archive Facebook page the group Growing Up In Dudley.

"Pictures don't have to be professional," Mr O'Coy added.

"The archive team are looking for a rounded snapshot of life in Dudley that can illustrate what people’s life was like during the 20th and 21st century.

Anybody interested in contributing to the project can contact Mr O'Coy by email at Dudleypeoplesarchive@gmail.com or see the website at dudleypeoplesarchive.com