Holloway Prison has been an important landmark in Islington for over 100 years. Until summer 2016 it was the largest women’s prison in Britain. Many well-known prisoners have passed through the prison, but there are diverse voices which remain unknown and unrecorded.
This project, run by Islington Heritage, in collaboration with Holloway Prison Stories and Middlesex University, seeks to capture stories of this highly significant place meaning that, even when it has gone, the voices and echoes of Holloway Prison will remain.
There are many ways to take part, whether you would like to share your memories and artefacts, volunteer your time for the project, or take part in the events and exhibition which will be taking place this year. Or just get in touch on twitter!
Our project will include:
- An oral history and film project, recording stories from people who were held at Holloway Prison and worked at the prison
- An exhibition, talks, workshops and events centred around Islington Museum and Islington’s Cat and Mouse Library
- Our resident artist, Hannah Hull, will hold workshops in the community to understand what the prison’s closure means for the local area and has written songs for an EP, ‘DIRT’ and booklet of poetry in response to the oral histories.
- Work delivered with Middlesex University and UserVoice to explore the impact of the closure on the women themselves
We are thankful to the Heritage Lottery Fund for their support in funding this project.
