Lottery project digs into history of 1960s tower blocks
A Heritage Lottery funded project is looking to capture the
memories and experiences of people who lived in eight local tower blocks built in Tipton and Wednesbury in the 1960s. ‘Block Capital’ aims to create an archive of material relating to 20 blocks built during the decade, across the Black Country and the people whose lives have been connected with them.
The project will also support 30 volunteers who will receive specialist training in using public archives to investigate council housing history and how to record people’s experiences and stories about living in the flats.
The 12-month project, which started in August, is a collaboration between tenants’ and residents’ federations in Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton, as well as ‘distinctly black country’ – a heritage network based at Wolverhampton Art Gallery.
Paul Quigley a researcher with the project said: “We want to capture the memories and impressions of those who lived in high-rise accommodation across the Black Country, many may no longer be tenants and the archive of material created will provide material for future generations to enjoy.” ‘Block Capital’ is focusing on the following flats in Sandwell:
• Bolton Court (three blocks) – Ocker Hill, Tipton (now demolished)
• Beatty House, Tipton (now demolished)
• Drake House, Tipton (now demolished)
• Jellicoe House – Tipton (now demolished)
• Nelson House, Tipton and
• Russell House, Wednesbury Did you or your family live, or still live in one of the blocks listed above?
Do you want to volunteer for the project? For more information visit www.distinctlyblackcountry.org.uk/blockcapital or contact Chaz Mason on 01902 552194