Life Through A Lens — Catcher Media

Herefordshire Life Through A Lens

"Wonderfully ambitious and beautifully realised too" says Daniel Meadows documentarist

This four-year media and oral history heritage project about the social history of Herefordshire was inspired by the extensive archive of local photographer Derek Evans and his studio. Watch full-length films (for free) now at:

www.herefordshirelifethroughalens.org.uk

The project resulted in two touring films, 120+ oral history interviews to view on our website, exhibitions, education packs, media-rich website, films made by school-children, digitisation of photographic archives and a website. Working with Herefordshire Libraries and Archives 1000's of Derek's images were scanned and made accessible via the Herefordshire History website.

Topics include: Hop-picking, Hereford Football Club, Mayfair, Fownhope Heart of Oak celebrations and Derek Evans Photographic Studio 1950-70s.

"Rich memories, beautifully portrayed" Audience member

We involved volunteers, trainees and internships to offer clear career pathway opportunities recruited from across the county. The wider Herefordshire community were involved in the project but specific targeted groups included disadvantaged young people, migrant workers, showmen, romany travellers, students and older people.

“Without question, Derek Evans was a fine and accomplished photographer. He was clearly passionate about Hereford and the region. His image repertoire was affectionate, humanist, liberal and well-crafted. The archive (...) could become a fantastic resource for a wide range of interests in social history, politics, culture, farming and rural life amongst others.” Independent report on Derek Evans’ archive by Russell Roberts 2009

3 paid internships roles & 20 core project volunteers roles

253 one-off volunteers

125 video oral history interviews recorded and made available online

2 feature-length documentaries

34 school groups visited the county archive & made heritage films

906 pupils at school film screenings

4,738 people at 54 screenings of 2 feature-length heritage films

1500 DVDs distributed

180 DVDs, 120 postcard packs and 15 A3 workshop cards distributed free to dementia groups

6,104 Derek Evans images digitised, and scanning still continues

36,320 exhibition visitors to 17 photographic exhibitions.

Social media stats 1.6K Facebook followers with posts frequently reaching 2-4k people

£51,000 'in-kind support' and £54,560 worth of volunteer input.

Funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund

The project was led by Catcher Media in partnership with Herefordshire Council's Library Service and Archives Service and Learning and Achievement Service. We thank The Beaumont Trust , Ross, Ledbury and Leominster Town Councils, The Elmley Foundation and Wye Valley Brewery for their additional support.

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"I think the film project has been a tremendous success. I've watched the kids grow in confidence, grow in self esteem - and develop a sense of humour!"

Herefordshire Life Through A Lens