People past and present archive

In the mid 1970's, the internationally known artist Stuart Brisley was appointed by the Peterlee Development Corporation as Town Artist.  Brisley began work in 1976, intending not to make pieces of artwork but considering it more relevant to create conditions where a collective interest in art might evolve. 

Brisley launched a three - part project named ‘History Within Living Memory'.  Firstly, six local people under the direction of John 'Pop' Porter were employed to make tape recordings, transcribe them and collect photographs to provide a statement of life in the villages from prior to World War 1 to the present.  Photographs lent to the project were enlarged and mounted.  The second and third parts of the project - never completed - were to have involved the research and publication of a history of the Development Corporation and provision of a forum where local people could meet to discuss issues of importance to the community. 

When the Development Corporation ceased to exist, Pop Porter and his team completed their work under the auspices of the new Easington District Council, creating what is known today as the People Past and Present Archive. 

Stored at the Council Offices in Easington Village the archive includes approximately 2000 photographs, slides and recordings/transcripts covering the whole of the district dating from the 1880's up until the 1970's.  The photographs show scenes from the humble origins of the District from a rural agriculturally based area, to the introduction of the industrialised age with the creation of the coal industry. The archive also includes the people which give the villages their own unique character.  In the interviews, members of the public talk about their lives in and around the district, telling tales of their working lives as well as their home lives. 

Anyone is welcome to view the archive at the council offices during office hours.  The photographs can be borrowed for exhibitions free of charge for up to two weeks.    

High quality digital prints are also available in two sizes, for a small charge;   

A5 (148mm x 210mm) £2.00

A4 (210mm x 297mm) £2.00

A3 (297mm x 420mm) £4.00

If you would like to make an appointment or have any queries about the above services please contact the Archive Section

Some frequently asked questions

Can I gain access to the photographs in the archive?

Yes you can view the archive at the council offices by appointment. Contact the Arts Development Admin Assistant (see contact details below) specifying which settlement(s) you want to view. 

Can I buy or borrow prints of photographs in the archive?

Yes, contact the Arts Development Admin Assistant (see contact details below)

Does the council provide talks illustrated by slides of photographs from the archive?

Yes, they are provided free of charge. Contact the Arts Development Admin Assistant (see contact details below)