Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI)
Accrington THI
Transforming our town, Accrington through the years – exhibition
The story behind Accrington’s Town Square transformation is the subject of an exciting exhibition at the Haworth Art Gallery.
The ‘Transforming our town, Accrington through the years’ exhibition was officially opened by Julie Hesmondhalgh at the preview event on Thursday 22 November at the Haworth Art Gallery.
Julie was joined by Accrington’s Market Officer, Sharon Varley and the Square’s design team for the preview of this exciting exhibition where attendees are taken on a journey from past to present, detailing Accrington’s new Town Square through the years.
Commemorating the sacrifice and bravery of the Accrington Pals and all who fell in the Great War, the Square is the centrepiece of the Townscape Heritage Initiative project, supported by funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
There are four galleries to visit, showcasing 200 years of development and change. The transformation is shown through architecture retail and historic images. View the story behind the design and manufacture of the duckboard trench benches and those two bronze dogs and a squirrel statues that greet you as you pass through the Square.
There’s a whole gallery dedicated to amazing people of Accrington including extraordinary women, the Accrington Pals, the Royal visit and Accrington Stanley Football Club. Come a create a’ rubbing’ of a leather football and an Accy Stanley cap badge and take it home with you.
Council Leader, Cllr Miles Parkinson, said; “After the fabulous Town Square opening events over the weekend of the 10 and 11 November we now look forward to the future of the new Town Square, focussing on community uses and local events. Be one of the first to visit the exhibition for an insight into the history of the Square and its transformation.
The exhibition, which is a collaboration between the Council’s Townscape Initiative Officer and Scott Dawson Advertising, with valuable contributions from the local community, will be open to the public during normal gallery hours and runs until 2 February 2019.