The creators of a stunning virtual reality tour of Brixton are delighted to announce a new home for the exhibition after audiences flocked to see it at Brixton Library last month.
The Coldharbour Project will be at 3Space International House, Canterbury Crescent, Brixton SW97 QD from 14 – 17 November. See below for opening hours.
The project takes viewers on an immersive 360˚tour of Brixton’s heritage through its markets and along Coldharbour Lane meeting people along the way who have helped to shape Brixton’s cultural fabric over several decades.
Local people visiting the exhibition have described it as “a truly magical experience” and “a really authentic project”.
Author, Alex Wheatle – the Brixton Bard – who is featured in the film and watched it at the library, said: “It was incredible watching just a few untold stories that make up the history and fabric of Brixton and I am honoured to be part of it. I really hope this documentary inspires others to record their own experiences.
“What it has taught me is that all of our personal narratives are important and as valid as anyone else’s.”
The Coldharbour Project takes viewers on an up-close journey through Brixton market to the Express Cafe in Market Row, Universal Roots Records, Coldharbour Lane, Railton Road (the Frontline), and the Sports and Social [Domino] Club.
Along the way, we meet Alex Wheatle (author), S I Martin (author and historian), Felix Buxton (Basement Jaxx), Ricky Ranking (musician), George Lightfoot (Nasty Rockers), Lorna Gayle (actor), Linda Bellos (former leader of Lambeth council), Michael Groce (poet), the Legs Eleven Sound System and the Brixton Immortals Dominoes Team, as well as market traders and customers.
Produced by the Independent Film Trust and Booted & Rooted, the participatory project has involved local people at every stage of the production process. The Coldharbour project started with six months of free workshops in research, 360˚ storytelling, recording oral histories and exhibition curation. From these workshops, over twenty local participants signed up to join the community production team that produced the final film and exhibition.
Combining oral history audio with photography, archive materials, and artifacts, the exhibition surrounding the VR experience explores what co-creator, Michael Groce describes as “those open, hidden sides” of Brixton’s Coldharbour ward.
The Coldharbour project will be exhibited at International House Brixton, SW97 QD from November 14th to 17th.
Running times are as follows:
14th: 2pm-8pm
15th: 9am-8pm
16th 9am-6pm
17th 9am-6pm
The project was supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund and by the University of the Arts London. To find out more about the project and to book a place at the exhibition, go to independentfilmtrust.org/coldharbour or follow @independentfilmtrust on Instagram.
