Using a variety of display techniques, the spoken words of former steel workers are brought to life throughout a series of themed spaces. The exhibition takes visitors on an immersive journey through time, from a recreation of a plant workers locker room to a stylised gas tower where visions of the future of the former industrial site are displayed. On the way they learn how steel is made, the history of the local industry and discover artefacts unique to the area via an interactive timeline.
Guests experience the sights, sounds and even smell of a working foundry and are encouraged to discover more personal stories by opening drawers, doors and lockers where the tales are hidden. The oral testaments told by real people of how it shaped their lives are a unique element of the exhibition and provide a sometimes touching experience of the working environment and the effects of its demise.
Steel Stories was the winner of the prestigious national Museums Change Lives award.
Press Reviews & Article links:
Kirkleatham Museum Visitor Information
Teeside University Details of Exhibition
Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council Information
The Materials Processing Insitute
University Blog about the Oral Archive for the Exhibition
MaxLiteracy Involvement Details
