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21/1/2009

Memory Factory 2009

Coleman Projects, London

Coleman Project Space presents a free exhibition reflecting on life and work at the Peek Frean Biscuit Factory in Bermondsey on the twentieth anniversary of its closure. Peek Frean biscuit factory returns to Bermondsey as Memory Factory 2009, with three weeks of free events, a new film and a free booklet to take away, featuring old photographs and the memories of former Peek Frean workers.

Memory Factory 2009 builds on previous projects relating to the Peek Frean biscuit factory situated in Bermondsey. In 2004, Coleman Project Space together with msdm (artist Paula Roush) held the first Memory Factory running a number of tea salons inviting former workers, their relatives and members of the public to meet in the gallery to reminiscence and share their stories about work and life at Peek Frean. Later in 2004, Paula Roush staged SOS: OK an emergency food relief operation, consisting of distributing emergency biscuits recreating memories around real life provision from Peek Frean the first ever food relief to the starving people of the siege of Paris 1874. In 2006, Coleman Project Space presented Memory Factory 2006, on the anniversary of the famous Cricks and Martin film of 1906 again inviting former employees to share memories and view the new digitally re-mastered films Biscuit Town & Old Ways New Ways by Sands Films.

Peek Frean operated in Bermondsey from 1867 to 1989, the factory played an important role in forming the economic and social climate: the factory was one of the largest employers in Southwark, at its peak 4000s people worked there. Families worked at Peek Frean for several generations, they met spouses and friends in the factory. The area surrounding the factory was fondly referred to as Biscuit Town, as mainly Peek Frean workers lived there. Biscuit Town is often remembered as a place with a unique social and communal atmosphere, where values of kindness, helpfulness and safety mattered.

Memory Factory 2009 captures memories associated with Peek Frean told by former workers at the tea salon events in 2004 and 2006. Memories connect the past to the present, the collection of memories and oral histories creates a platform for intergenerational communication, exchange and learning. The Memory Factory 2009 exhibition presents two new works and a number of activities relating to Peek Frean, free and open to all. A new publication featuring memories of former Peek Frean workers alongside old photographs kindly donated by Rotherhithe Picture Research Library and Blackfriars Photography Project. A film presenting memories of former workers and discussions that took place during the previous tea salon events accompanies the publication.

Other key activities include:

Two expert talks on Peek Frean and the value of collecting memories. Caroline Marais, director of the Pumphouse Museum in Rotherhithe, will give a talk on the history of Peek Frean in Bermondsey on Friday 23rd of January 2009, at 2pm and on Friday 6th February at 2pm, Arne Sjogren will give a presentation on the value of collecting memories for historical and artistic purposes.

Friday 23rdJanuary,Thursday 29th January, Thursday 5th February & Saturday 7th February 1pm- 4pm, Coleman Project Space will run tea salon events inviting former workers and members of the public to bring along items of memorabilia or memories to share and discuss life and work in Bermondsey. Free tea and biscuits will be provided. Friday 30th Jan there will be a tour of the old factory premises, courtesy Workspace Group time to be confirmed

Memory Factory Project 2009 is supported by Awards for All and Southwark Council

Launch: Thursday 22nd Jan. 6 - 9pm

Coleman Projects
94 Webster Road - London
Hours: Thur, Fri, Sat , Sun. 12 - 5pm

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