This short course uses materials from our collections to explore such topics as: Victorian chimney sweeps, the Great Fire of Tooley Street, the manufacture of fireworks, the Bryant & May match factory in the interwar years, the Blitz during World War Two, and the unusual career of the Italian Salamander.

Who is this course for?

• Anyone curious to discover less well-known aspects of London’s social history
• Informal learners seeking an engaging introduction to everyday lives in the modern city
• Creatives, historians, and writers looking for fresh ideas and inspiration for projects
• Archive enthusiasts who take delight in viewing and learning from original historical materials, such as journals, pamphlets, guidebooks, photographs, and illustrations

What can I expect?

• The subject is examined through nineteenth and twentieth-century books, pamphlets, illustrations, and ephemera from Bishopsgate Institute’s library and special collections
• The tutor provides an overview of the library and archive materials at the start of the session
• A set of questions is shared to support the research process
• Students handle and view the materials, which have been arranged in curated sets representing different themes relevant to the course subject
• Students spend time with each set of materials, with the tutor on hand to give guidance and answer questions.
• An informal group discussion at the close of the session offers an enjoyable opportunity to share findings and memories, and reflect on the research process

Will I need any equipment or materials?

We will be looking at a range of texts produced during the past 120+ years, some of which have small print. Please bring reading glasses if worn.