PEOPLE behind a project to document and display the history behind two important Barrow buildings are urging visitors to see the display during its last open week.

‘If These Walls Could Talk…’, which celebrates the Nan Tait Centre and the Walney Shelter, showcases a number of artefacts as well as a range of personal experiences.

Established for over 20 years, Art Gene engages local communities in the re-visioning of the social, natural and built environment of Barrow and across the North West.

Under Barrow’s visual arts charity, the gallery on Abbey Road is also showing artworks by Jennie Dennett of Artfly, Maddi Nicholson and other artists.

The project focuses on the ‘widely admired’ Grade II Listed Nan Tait Centre, which was formerly the town’s Technical College until the school moved to Thorncliffe Road in 1964.

It also looks at the Walney Shelter at Central Drive on Walney Island, which holds a special place in local social history.

Art Gene has explored these buildings' histories to encourage residents to acknowledge them, share their memories and preserve them for the future.

The Art Gene Mezzanine Gallery at the Nan Tait Centre will display a number of recorded oral histories from ex pupils and teachers who went to the Old Technical College.

Art Gene said: "We want to encourage people to bring any artefacts, objects or memories associated with either of these buildings that are so important to Barrow and Walney’s heritage. It’s a chance to add to and build on the histories of these structures, all of which will be preserved in the Barrow Archives for future generations. 

"Maybe you have an old banner that was hung on the Walney Shelter, perhaps you have a school photograph or a story from your time at the Technical College… we want to hear from you! It’s all a part of carrying the past forwards to inform the future of this beautiful place.”

The exhibition will continue until Tuesday June 11, between 11am and 4pm and will be open on Dave Day, Saturday June 8 from 11am to 1pm.

The show is closed on Friday June 7 and Sunday June 9 in preparation for the 'Great Big Green week' Open Day.

After this point, from Wednesday June 12 to Wednesday June 26, the exhibition will be open by appointment only.

The project has been supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund through Westmorland and Furness Council’s ‘Micro to Mighty’ grants programme, and the UK Government through the Know Your Neighbourhood programme.