A NEW project is inviting people to share stories behind treasured objects.
Bradford photographer Carolyn Mendelsohn has launched the scheme, titled Still Lives, Living Stories: The Heart of Bradford, in collaboration with Bradford Council’s Bradford District Museums and Galleries service.
The project explores the memories, experiences, and identities of residents through personal belongings and takes inspiration from the historic Belle Vue Studio collection.
Carolyn Mendelsohn said: "I believe everyone has a story worth sharing.
"Objects often hold memories that connect us to people, places and significant moments in our lives.
"I want to listen to those stories and work collaboratively with people to create a new photographic archive, including portraits, still lives and audio recordings, to celebrates the people of the Bradford district and the stories they have to tell."
Carolyn Mendelsohn
(Image: Supplied)
Residents are encouraged to bring meaningful items to one of two launch events at Bradford Industrial Museum.
The events will take place in the Heritage Craft Room from 1pm to 3pm on August 21 and 22.
Visitors will have the opportunity to meet Ms Mendelsohn and the project team, learn about the project, and enjoy refreshments.
Those who bring an item can be photographed with it in the portrait style of the original Belle Vue Studio archive.
A separate still-life photograph of the item will also be taken, along with a recorded audio account of the story it represents.
Attendees can also view images from the Belle Vue Studio archive and discover how the historic collection has inspired this new work.
Councillor Ian Walker, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Neighbourhoods and Communities, said: "The Belle Vue Studio archive captures a remarkable moment in Bradford's history, and this project offers an exciting opportunity to continue that story.
"By sharing an object and the memories connected to it, residents can help create a new archive.
"We look forward to welcoming people to the launch events and seeing the stories that emerge from this wonderful project."
Still Lives, Living Stories: The Heart of Bradford aims to build on this legacy by using objects to tell the stories of Bradford today.
Whether historical or contemporary, valuable or ordinary, each object carries its own unique story.