In the immediate aftermath of the Blitz, Southampton lay in ruins with huge gaps in the street scene and many people displaced by the destruction. We are trying to find out about how the City was rebuilt – and the role of the Brickworks in that – to inspire a new piece of art at the Museum.

In late July we invited people from Southampton Living Well to the Museum to share their stories with us about Southampton in the 1950s. During the session we heard about what life was like living in temporary accommodation on Southampton Common for newly married Edna, and how Maurice’s journey from the New Forest to the City was interrupted by roads broken by bombs.

The session surprised us all though – we set out to find out about Southampton in the post-war period, but what we really found out was how many connections there were between the participants that they hadn’t been aware of. Maurice and Edna, who have known each other for several years, didn’t realise that they were at the same primary school. Julie talked about her love of football, and it turned out she has sat in the stands alongside other members of the group, unrealized until we started talking.

As the project develops we hope to bring these and other stories uncovered by the project to life through art. Watch this space.

Click here for more information on the project.