In a project made possible through a Headley Fellowship with Art Fund, a little-known part of the archive has been brought to light. The archive contains some 730 orders undertaken by the Coalbrookdale Company ironworks in the late 19th - early 20th century for decorative and architectural work such as gates, railings, verandas, and fountains. The orders include original draughtsman drawings, blueprints, costings and correspondence with clients.
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It’s 50 years since Blists Hill Victorian Town opened to visitors. Throughout 2023 we will be releasing a series of blog posts delving into the fascinating history of this museum, its buildings and its people.
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The industrial history of Blists Hill stretches back to the late 18th century. Various types of industry dominated the site throughout the Victorian era, but much has since disappeared. Over the centuries hundreds of people have lived or worked on this site, or in the buildings that now make up Blists Hill Victorian Town. These are the stories of a just a few of those people.
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An online exhibition showcasing pieces of original design material and artwork created by the students of the Coalbrookdale School of Art, some were submitted for examination. The collection demonstrates a range of different styles and techniques, and many of the designs directly inspired the products made by local industries.
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The 16th February 2018 marked 100 years since the passing of the Representation of the People Act 1918, which allowed women to vote in parliamentary elections for the first time. This online exhibition reveals the names of the handful of women who were working in the ceramic and iron industries across the Gorge who gained the right to vote in 1918, as well as identifying the many who were denied this right.
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From the 18th century until the early 20th century, the Ironbridge Gorge was a hive of industry. From bone washers and moulders, to pit girls and painters, this exhibition explores who they were, the work that they did, and the hardships they suffered. It also considers local industrial workers’ lives beyond their employment and the important role that religion, hobbies and leisure pursuits played in their identity.
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