Stories Behind the Stones: An exhibition that aims to tell Southampton’s history

AN exhibition in God’s House Tower Arts and Heritage Venue opened last weekend to the public to showcase Southampton’s history.

“Stories Behind the Stones”, God’s House Tower four-story heritage show highlights specially selected animations, cutting edge technology and artistic installations.

God’s House Tower was one of the UK’s earliest seaside castles and has since been a prison, home to the Town Gunners and a museum. The 700-year-old building is a key element of Southampton’s medieval Town Walls.

Mia Delve, the Project and Programme Officer at Space Arts said:

“We knew when we took on the building that we really wanted to tell the history here.

So, we have been working with the local historian, Cheryl Butler, who did lots of the research for us to kind of initiate the project. Then it was about working with local artists, local designers and local illustrators to gather the content.”

Space Arts worked with HKD, an exhibition design company, who have helped with the design of this project.

Mia explained why this exhibition means so much for everyone who was involved in the project: “It is important for us to tell these stories about Southampton and give something back to the community here by telling them the history of their city.”

Cheryl Butler, the historian a researcher for this exhibition said: “What we have got is lots of written records in Southampton. So, we know the stories about the prisoners and the jailers who were in prison. And, I think that once you can start to tell these personal stories, I think that people find that interesting and can relate to that.”

“I am hoping that when young people came to God’s House Tower, they will see not only the written information but also how the artist has interpreted it. There is lots of audio with people telling the stories, and I think that will be in the interest of people of all ages," added Cheryl.