In Living Memory
JUMP TO EventsShare your memories to build an exciting new story of Lewisham's past.
In 2021, Lewisham residents responded to a call out for stories that need to be told. Seven have been selected, each focused on a different aspect of Lewisham’s past. Now, we need you to share your memories to help tell these important stories.
Throughout 2022, these oral histories will be brought to life and transform public spaces across the borough, as well as populate a new digital museum of Lewisham Life.
A Caribbean Couturier in Lewisham
Part of the Windrush Generation, Joy Prime’s mother travelled to London in 1963 to begin a new life in Lewisham. Inspired by her story, this project will explore the forgotten textile legacies of the women of the Windrush Generation. Do you have memories or old photos of garments made by Caribbean seamstresses in Lewisham?
Share your memoriesLewisham Under Water
On 15 September 1968, following days of torrential rain, much of Lewisham found itself under water. This project will gather the memories of local people who were affected, connecting an event over 50 years ago with the current climate emergency. Do you or a family member remember the great flood of 1968?
Share your memoriesPioneers and Protest
Based at the historic Moonshot Centre, this project led by IRIE! Dance Theatre is inspired by the powerful legacy of the 1981 Black People’s Day of Action. What are your memories of the area in 1981 and did you take part in the Black People’s Day of Action?
Share your memoriesIn/Visible Labour
A story of the resilient experiences of collective family by diverse communities, midwives and care-workers, through family generations and their support networks from across the borough. Do you remember the Buggy Army that marched to Westminster as part of the Save Lewisham Hospital campaign?
Share your memoriesTomorrow is Built Today
The untold story of Lewisham’s pioneering black-led self-build movement will be told through the memories of those who overcame institutional barriers and racist attacks to create award winning eco-homes on Nubia Way in Downham. How can we empower the next generation to build upon the legacy of Lewisham’s pioneering Black-led community self-build schemes?
Share your thoughtsWhere To, Now the Sequins Have Gone?
This project will explore the history of Lewisham’s lost gay venues of the 1970s-90s and the role of LGBTQ+ spaces today. We're looking for stories of those who created informal communities responding to social and political challenges, and the AIDS crisis. Can you share a memory of Lewisham’s lost gay pubs and spaces?
Share your memoriesLead image (top): 1. Black People’s Day of Action 1981. Photo courtesy of Lewisham Library Archives. 2. Image courtesy of Joy Prime. 3.The 1968 Floods. Image courtesy of the Lewisham Local History and Archives Centre. 4. ‘No Justice, Just Us’ IRIE! Dance Theatre student site-specific performance in Fordham Park (2021). 5. Save Lewisham Hospital Campaign. 6. Nubia Way shortly after completion in 1997. Image: Andre Howard. 7. The Queens Arms.
The above community-led projects are part of In Living Memory, a programme to celebrate Lewisham’s history and diversity, led by Goldsmiths, University of London with funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
