LYMM Heritage Centre took another important step forward with the opening of its second exhibition.
Look@LYMM does just that, with a collection of photographs spanning the century from 1860 to 1960. The team developing the exhibition were also looking for extra, exciting ways to use photographs to bring historic Lymm to Life so there are plenty of innovative ideas including 3D and large scale images.
There is even a replica of Lymm stocks with the chance for kids to dress up for their own photograph – and if you had heard about Lymm’s fustian cutting industry but like many people had never quite understood what it entailed then there is a display of cloth and the cutting process.
A booklet accompanying the exhibition takes visitors on a short photographic walk through history round the centre of the village.
The exhibition is centred round the original photographs and collection of local man Alan Taylor but also includes images from the collections of local people who were keen to take the opportunity to share their pictures with the wider public. The show is also launching another important aspect of the Heritage Lottery funded Heritage Centre project. LyDIA stands for Lymm’s Digital Image Archive and will be an on-line collection of images and documents that will catalogued and accessible to all as well as being secured for future users including local schools.
Contributions are welcome at the centre and will be scanned and returned. Where possible these new images will be added to the exhibition as it progresses.
For Alan the show is the fulfilment of a long held ambition not only to see a focal point in the point where people could learn about its unique history but also to be able to show his pictures to a wider audience.
Alan said: “When I left school in the early 50s I went to work in local shops at first , a butchers and a grocer’s (Henry Millings). But I quickly discovered that my real interest was photography. Whenever I went out making deliveries I used to take my camera with me and would try to capture scenes from everyday village life. I would especially try and photograph places that I knew were due for demolition, such as the old fustian cutting blocks of cottages”.
Alan went on to pursue his chosen vocation, ending his working life as chief photographer for the Cheshire Guardian group.
The centre now has an active team of over 40 volunteers and is open to the public from 12 till 4 from Thursday till Sunday every week.
The centre can also be opened at any time for visiting groups with tours and talks available.
If you would like to take advantage of the centre’s facilities or are interested in volunteering visit www.lymmhic.co.uk, email [email protected] or call 01925-754080.
