Nearly 50,000 people visited an exhibition celebrating Vauxhall’s history in Luton before it closed following a hugely popular run at Stockwood Discovery Centre.
Luton Made: Vauxhall attracted almost 50,000 visitors between 2 May and 9 August, prompting the exhibition to be extended beyond its original closing date.
The 12-month project, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, explored the history of Vauxhall in Luton through photographs, objects, archive material and personal stories, with a particular focus on the people and communities behind the factory doors.
More than 80 people contributed their memories and stories, with more than 30 hours of new oral history recorded and over 160 minutes of archive film digitised as part of efforts to preserve Luton’s industrial heritage.
The project also involved 75 children from five Luton schools, who explored the town’s heritage and helped shape how its stories should be told.
Vauxhall’s history was brought to life through a programme of events during the exhibition, including a classic car day featuring more than 60 Vauxhall vehicles from across the decades, a family fun day and talks examining the company’s history and its impact on Luton.
For some visitors, the exhibition also provided an opportunity to reconnect with their own family and working lives.
John MacDonald said: “The display brought back so many memories of my time working for Vauxhall, and I believe this was truly the ‘Halcyon’ period in its long history.”
Stephen Cooper said: “It was heartwarming to watch my 81-year-old Dad (served 42 years, as well as his Dad) truly fascinated by the exhibition we stumbled upon by chance on Father’s Day. It was emotional for me to listen to him sharing his memories. A treasured afternoon.”
Councillor Basit Mahmood, Cabinet Member for Heritage at Luton Council, said the response to the exhibition showed the strength of interest in preserving the town’s industrial history.
“The success of Luton Made: Vauxhall has shown just how much interest there is in hearing and preserving Luton’s industrial stories. But Vauxhall is only one part of a much bigger story.
“Vauxhall remains a key part of Luton’s history and heritage and it’s vitally important that all of our diverse communities know the past has played a part in our present
“As time passes, there will be fewer people who remember what it was like to live and work alongside these industries, so it is important that we capture these memories while we can and make sure future generations understand the important role they played in Luton’s story.”
The Luton Made team is now looking at how the project can be expanded to tell the stories of other industries that have shaped the town.
People with connections to Luton’s industries, past or present, are being encouraged to share their memories, stories or material as the project develops.
And although the main Vauxhall exhibition has closed, parts of the project will return to the town centre this month as part of Heritage Open Days.
Pop-up exhibitions featuring themes from Luton Made: Vauxhall will be held at Hat House from 11 to 18 September, and at Luton Central Library, Frasers Plus and Luton Airport Parkway Station from 11 to 20 September.
The pop-ups will also provide further opportunities for people to contribute to the town’s industrial heritage.
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