As Salford’s Lowry marks its 25th anniversary, a new heritage project titled One Lowry, Many Stories is set to honour the voices and memories of the people who have shaped its journey, and those who have witnessed the transformation of Salford Quays over the past quarter of a century.
From performers and artists to visitors, staff and volunteers, and local residents – The National Lottery Heritage Fund supported project will bring together voices from across Lowry’s communities in a series of three exciting new artist commissions that include immersive art, photography, and storytelling.
Feeding into the artists commissions, Podcast Producer Olivia Graham is interviewing people with memories of Lowry and the local area, with support from University of Salford School of Arts, Media and Creative Technology students. As a legacy of the project, the oral history interviews will be added to the publicly accessible Salford Digital Archives, at the University of Salford. Stories will range from those who lived and worked in the area before Lowry was built, local leaders involved in the regeneration masterplan, to artists whose careers have been launched through Lowry’s artist development programmes.
“They used to say if you fell in the ship canal, you’d be poisoned before you drowned… but that’s all changed. It’s been transformed,” reflects Frank Doige, volunteer of 24 years. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Gwyneth Owen, volunteer of 25 years remembered, “We made all these scrubs for the local hospitals… and we embroidered little messages inside.” And for Jaiden Corfield, a participant in Lowry’s youth programmes, Lowry’s impact is deeply personal: “Lowry gave me that place on a Monday… to belong for an hour or two.”
Adding to the One Lowry, Many Stories project, Lowry has launched a special ‘Memory Line’ for any members of the public with their own memories of Lowry and Salford Quays to phone and leave a short, recorded message.
Helen Featherstone, Director, England, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “Sharing memories of Lowry and Salford Quays from the communities who embody the spirit of this cultural hub, is a wonderful way to mark Lowry’s 25th birthday. Thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, we are delighted to support One Lowry, Many Stories, and we can’t wait to see what stories will be uncovered as part of the project.”
Julia Fawcett, Chief Executive of Lowry says: “Lowry has always been about people, and One Lowry, Many Stories shines a light on the people who’ve helped shape this place—from volunteers and artists to local residents. It’s a celebration of how creativity can connect us and uplift us, and a reminder that the arts can transform not just places but people.”
