People's Heritage Co-operative

Represent (2018-2022)

This community heritage project explored the impact of gaining the right to vote and WW1 on the lives of Birmingham’s people.

In December 2018, The People’s Heritage Co-operative were awarded £36,100 by the National Lottery Heritage Fund to explore the impact of WW1 and the extension of the franchise on Birmingham’s politics.

‘Represent’ focused specifically on the impact and legacy in Birmingham of the ‘Representation of the People Act, 1918’. Extending the franchise in 1918 to include most men, and for the first time some women, had a radical impact on political representation, campaigning and the development of civic life in Birmingham. It was the beginning of an exciting era of ideas and activism. Coupled with the huge upheavals of the First World War and citizens’ responses to this, the post-1918 period of Birmingham’s history is rich with important stories which still have resonance today.

A visit to the Library of Birmingham to explore archival material
Exploring the Black Country Living Museum
Creative writing in response to archives
Digging into collections
Exhibition at Moseley Road Baths
Artwork
Raising banners with Saheli Hub in Handsworth

Working alongside The Active Wellbeing Society, the project engaged with members of the Saheli Hub and Edgbaston Community Centre. The project focused both on women’s historic role as active citizens and historic housing campaigns. The groups interpreted these stories through two participatory creative projects leading to a touring exhibition and a printed Learning Guide, available on request or available to view online as a PDF.