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Town's landmarks 'brought to life' in new art show

Martin Heath
BBC News, Northamptonshire
Northampton College Three people sitting on a sofa, including Mark Bradshaw on the left with short dark hair and beard, wearing a black jacket, Sarah Thursby in the centre with long blonde hair wearing a black top, and Charles Naylor with short white hair and a long pink beard, wearing a black T-shirt. There is a yellow background behind them, with three artworks above depicting a large room in a house, the facade of a shop and a woman sitting at a table.Northampton College
The project was devised by Sarah Thursby with support from colleagues including Mark Bradshaw and Charles Naylor

Some of a town's best-loved landmarks have been "brought to life" in a new exhibition.

The show, Places, People and Professions, uses photographs, art and sound to celebrate Northampton.

Students from Northampton College have spent 18 months working on the project.

The college principal, Jason Lancaster, said the town was "very proud" and the exhibition "brought its history to life".

Among the buildings featured in the project are the Royal and Derngate theatres, the Guildhall, Tricker's shoe factory and the Express Lift Tower.

The County Ground and the Mounts swimming baths are also included.

The exhibition reveals photos and artwork of the landmarks, presented alongside a soundscape of people's memories of the buildings and the industries associated with them.

Northampton College A large photograph on an easel of a person holding a sheet of fabric. Behind that are a photograph of a man standing in front of racks of shoes, a two-storey Victorian shoe factory, and the front entrance of the Old Savoy. The pictures are hanging on a white background, with a yellow wall below and a wooden table in front.Northampton College
The exhibition includes artwork and photographs depicting well-known places in Northampton

The project has involved students from several departments, including fine art, photography, music technology, business and dance.

Carpentry apprentices have also played a part.

Mr Lancaster said: "Northampton is a very proud town with an incredible heritage. Wherever you walk you can feel the history around the place and this exhibition brings much of that to life.

"This collection is a celebration of collaboration, with students from across the college coming together to work with external partners to create something truly special for the whole town to enjoy. It really is something to treasure."

Northampton College Twelve dancers dressed in black. They are looking in different directions with their hands outstretched in different poses. They are on a light-coloured stage with purple lighting behind.Northampton College
Level 3 dance students gave a performance inspired by the exhibition at its launch event

The project was devised by Northampton College's music and performing arts curriculum manager Sarah Thursby, who said: "The origin of each building featured in the exhibition can be linked back to skills that are a key part of Northampton's history, and which are still taught at Northampton College today.

"We hope visitors will be inspired to share their memories of Northampton landmarks and professions so we can continue to expand the project to celebrate an even wider range of communities in our town and build an archive that can be enjoyed for generations to come."

Northampton College A room painted white along the top half of the walls and yellow below. There are artworks and photographs hanging on the wall, between windows. There are brown and grey chairs around wooden tables.Northampton College
The show will be open for three weeks at Northampton Museum and Art Gallery

The exhibition is open at Northampton Museum and Art Gallery for three weeks and will then tour some of the locations featured in the show.

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