Pottery Quay Community Engagement Project

This project involved reminiscence work with the residents of Pottery Quay in Devonport, Plymouth and took place at a time of great change for the area when the old Plymouth City Council flats, built during the 1920s and 30s, were in the process of being demolished and replaced by new housing for rent, shared ownership and private sale.

Museum staff worked with members of the Pottery Quay Community Engagement Project. This was an initiative led and funded by Westcountry Housing Association, The Guinness Trust and the Housing Corporation which aimed to involve residents in the design and management of their new housing.

Reminiscence work was supplemented with community trips, children's and young people activities and an exhibition at the Museum. The project also resulted in the publication of a book featuring stories and photographs from past and current residents.

The book captured the history of this unique area of the city: the surrounding industries that once flourished prior to the Dockyard's expansion, the impact of the War, the community trips, celebrations and carnivals - even the rowing club! It is currently on sale in the Museum shop.