The coming weeks will see a series of free events be held in conjunction with the launch of the Hidden Histories project. The showcase events will reveal never-before-seen pictures from the Beaford Archive. The first showcase event to launch the Hidden Histories Project is High Bickington. The exhibition was in the Community Centre from 2pm to 5pm on 9th April (Sunday). As the project tours the area more snapshots of North Devon life from different communities, will be brought out in association with Beaford Arts the Gazette, with the next event on 23rd April (Sunday), from 2pm to 5pm, at Woolacombe.
The Beaford Archive is recognised as a nationally important collection, with literally tens of thousands of pictures of Noth Devon life, which were taken by the late James Ravilious in the 1970s. Capturing and immortalising them as part of the Beaford Archive, members of Hidden Histories team who will offer/share information on the project in the months ahead and on the volunteering opportunities to assist with reservation of the images, by digitising and cataloguing them.
There will be a collection of oral histories too from people having insight of the pictures collected. This will go into the free events being organised. The Hidden Histories project is supported by North Devon Coast Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Fullabrook, Elmgrant Trust, Paul Hamlyn Foundation, Leader 5 Toleridge and North Devon.
