Illustrated Talks

 A free evening events programme was arranged to add another dimension to the Brierley Hillness project. It enabled us to involve experts and Council Officers in the project, and the public to learn more about the history and heritage of Brierley Hill.

Brierley Hill’s Historic Landscape

Pete Boland, Principal Conservation Officer and Borough Archeologist, explored the evolution of character in Brierley Hill; how the area has developed over time and the heritage assets that contribute to the town’s distinctive character. It was a fascinating talk brought to life by a suite of Historic maps of Dudley Borough.

Watch a clip of his illustrated talk. 

Pete Boland  from Jonathan Lee on Vimeo.

Brierley Hill: Past and Present

Ned Williams, Black Country author and historian, took us on a journey along Brierley Hill High Street using old and new photos; reflecting on the buildings and trades that once lined this street and the stories and memories associated with them. See a Selection of old images of Brierley Hill High Street used in Ned’s presentation.

Watch a clip of his illustrated talk

Ned Williams – Local Historian from Jonathan Lee on Vimeo.

The Future of Brierley Hill Town Centre

Principal Planner Nicki Dale talked us through the plans to regenerate and redevelop the new town centre of Brierley Hill, focusing on how the area will be redesigned to allow better integration between the High Street, Merry Hill and the Waterfront. It was an informative and interactive evening with an opportunity to comment on the new design guidance for the town centre. See sections of Nicki’s presentation:  An overview of Brierley Hill’s Urban Design Guidance and An overview and update on Brierley Hill’s Area Action Plan.

Watch a clip of her illustrated talk.

Nikki Dale from Jonathan Lee on Vimeo.

Remembering Round Oak Steel Works

We were joined by Borough Artist Steve Field and Performance Poet Brendan Hawthorne for a nostalgic evening about Round Oak. They shared some of the stories and poetry that ex-workers have been giving and the audience were able to see a temporary exhibition of memorabilia donated by local people, which was curated at Artspace. Steve unveiled initial memorial sculpture designs to the Steel Works. The audience was full of ex-workers from Round Oak.

Watch a clip of the evening.

Remembering Round Oak from Jonathan Lee on Vimeo.

Brendan Hawthorne from Jonathan Lee on Vimeo.