The School of Design at the University of Greenwich has today announced a brand-new knowledge exchange project in collaboration with fine paper manufacturers GF.Smith. The project Led by Fran Mendez, brings together academic staff, students, users of research, wider groups and civic communities to increase the impact of research on The Alec Gill Hessle Road photo archive through the creation of a book.
This project celebrates the photographic study of one road in Hull and its surrounding community through over 6,000 images. Hessle Road has been long been at the heart of the UK's historic fishing culture, and the archive aims to impact and inform diverse and inclusive local, and global communities, about a part of British social history that’s not often spoken outside of Hull.
The Alec Gill Hessle Road photo archive project encourages the sharing of ideas, research and expertise which are mutually beneficial to all parties involved, including the University of Greenwich students and staff.
School of Design lecturer Fran Mendez said: “As we emerge from the global disruptions of pandemic, this is a vital opportunity to engage communities through the work of photographer and social documentarian Dr Alec Gill. We aim to reach new audiences with Dr Gill’s work and to develop innovative and inclusive dialogues that draw attention to our place, responsibility and relation within our society.”
Currently on Kickstarter, the project aims to achieve a minimum of £17.5k in order to create a permanent and tangible object made to the highest standard that celebrates and honours Alec Gill's dedication to the community, but also to inspire and create wider awareness about this wonderful documentary study. Then GF Smith will fund in kind materials.
For more information about the project please visit:
www.kickstarter.com/projects/agarchivebook/alec-gills-hessle-road-archive
