Two art exhibitions inspired by stories from local people will explore the history of Barrow.
‘Place – Re:discover Barrow’ and ‘All the other things that we are' will be located in the Art Gene Gallery at the Nan Tait Centre with the opening night on February 9.
The work is the culmination of the Re:discover Barrow - Lost Shops' cultural programme which ran from 2019-2024 capturing the histories and memories of Duke Street and Cornwallis Street.
The programme, led by Art Gene, collected the stories and experiences of the iconic roads from local people.
Working with Full of Noises, Signal Film and Media and Theatre Factory, artistic responses were then produced to these stories with select works featured in the exhibition.
Created in partnership with Westmorland and Furness Council and Barrow Archives Centre, the stories were captured through film, sound, visual arts and performance.
A spokesperson for Art Gene said: "They're told through an art lens from the people who have lived and worked in the town.
"The exhibitions explore stories from the shipyard but also away - such as from ordinary businesses with an emphasis on how women have contributed the town's history.
"The exhibitions are really a chance for people to come down, socialise, reminisce and to really give recognition to the town's great history which Barrow doesn't often get.
"It's chance to look at some of the untold stories of the town and how the history of a town is told."
This will feature a panel of speakers who will explore the rich heritage of Barrow.
These include Helen Houston, Susan Benson, Liz Critchley and local historians, Gill Jepson, Jane McSorley and Peter Laird.
The drop-in opening night for the exhibitions will be from 6.30pm to 9pm on February 9.
The event is free with food and refreshments and Mayor of Barrow Cllr Chris Altree will be in attendance.
Artist Julie O’Neill will also be introducing her exhibition in the mezzanine gallery.
The 'Place' exhibition will then continue from February 10 to 23 and is then open by appointment from February 26 to April 19.
The Re:discover Barrow: Social History Event will take place on February 10 in the Art Gene Gallery, 10.45am – 3.45pm.
It is free of charge and a free hot lunch will be served. Booking is essential via Eventbrite.
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