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_{"We are very impressed at how your project has become the most effectively managed in the region in such a short space of time. Despite the obvious benefits of the image bank in preserving the heritage of the South West it provides a social hub for a generation of volunteers alongside enhancing intergenerational relationships".}

_{(J.B Co/Director FOTONOW)}

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In addition to our standard outreach activities and volunteer activity, SWiB is currently undertaking several large-scale projects designed to engage and encourage community interest in our work and to demonstrate our appreciation of nationally recognised learning based initiatives which provide the foundations upon which all SWiB projects are undertaken.

Key agendas followed:

Knowledge Transfer Initiative (AHRC)
Adult Learning Initiative (Dept. for Business, Innovation and Skills)
Inspiring Learning For All Framework (MLA)

Pre-war Plymouth Project

In february 2008, SWiB acquired, through Chris Robinson, an incomplete pre-war model of Plymouth started by the late David Moore some 10-20 years ago. Charlie Sells, much valued friend of SWiB and local model-maker and pattern-maker agreed to complete the model for Chris and the image bank.

After considerable effort and determination from Charlie, the model was completed in July 2009 and took pride of place at our recent Western Morning News Project Celebration.

The model, and it's associated archive is now accessible on-site at SWiB. The photographic records will soon be featured on our online galleries Page.

For more information about this project see:

Model of Pre-War Plymouth

Devonport Living Archive (Adult Learning Project)

Simon Gomery, local photographer, PCA Student and SWiB Volunteer with support from FOTONOW is working to create a community archive for Devonport, culminating in a final exhibition which will be added to his portfolio towards his photography degree.

The original photographic archives accumulated will be scanned and added to SWiB's collections for public access.

Barbican Exhibition - Funded by the Virginia House Settlement (Inspiring Learning For All Project)

In 2009, SWiB acquired a grant from the Virginia House Settlement to undertake an educational exhibition project showcasing a selection of images of the Barbican from our collections at various venues in the area.

Emma Taylor, SWiB Work Placement Volunteer has been working to develop the project by selecting images from the SWiB archives for display and canvassing the Barbican area for support. Many local businesses have shown interest in the project and have agreed to display the images as quality reproductions for the visiting public to engage with.

To view the full set of quality reproduced images (printed for SWiB by Bretonside Copy) visit:

The Edinburgh Woollen Mill, near Southside Street, Barbican
Monty's Bistro and Cafe, Southside Street, Barbican
The Kaya Gallery, Southside Street, Barbican
RNLI Shop, Madeira Road, Barbican
The Tourist Information Centre, Southside Street, Barbican
Bretonside Copy, Bretonside
SWiB search room, 32 Looe Street, Barbican

The next stage of the project will be to create a resource pack for schools and to present the images to interested parties onsite at SWiB and via external talks.

Cooperative Society Exhibition (Knowledge Transfer Project)

Lucy Hill, SWiB Work Placement Volunteer and Falmouth University BA Student has been entrusted with the task of developing an exhibition for the Cooperative Society Anniversary to take place in Plymouth, 2010. Lucy will liase closely with Cooperative Society personnel and members of the public towards a successful final exhibition.

View full details about this project here.

Further Links

Inspiring Learning
Outreach Activities