Established in 1884, Oxford House has a fascinating history as the very first Settlement House in the UK to open, named after the students and graduates from Keble and other Oxford colleges who settled here, passionate about improving the lives of people blighted by poverty. Their energy and inspiration fuelled social action and led to the creation of youth clubs, free legal advice, adult education and social clubs and societies. These were the foundations of a fairer society and many remain in place even today.
John Ryan, CEO, Oxford House, said:
“I am very proud to celebrate Oxford House’s 140th anniversary and our ongoing relationship with the East End neighbourhood and community we know and love. The History House 140 exhibition and festival tells this story in fabulous detail.”
The History House 140 programme will see Oxford House launch its new digital archive of 10,000 images, documents and objects from 1884 until the present day – making it fully accessible for the first time. Including rare Victorian books, extraordinary WWII photographs, and important material reflecting working-class and anti-racist movements during the 1970’s, the Oxford House archives capture the energy and ideas of Bethnal Green over the last 140 years.
The archives have also been used as a catalyst for a rich programme of activities exploring Oxford House’s history through the experiences of women, young people, and East London’s Somali communities over the past two years as part of the Heritage Lottery funded ‘ Through the Lens’ project.
The History House 140 exhibition (closes 20 December 2024) will see the Oxford House gallery transformed into an exciting interactive historical narrative showcasing East End social history, forgotten stories and the rich heritage of grass roots activism in Bethnal Green. From the challenges faced by the Victorians, to uncovering the hidden voices of women who have shaped our history, to the building’s use as an air-raid shelter at the height of the Blitz, there will be many unknown stories to explore. The exhibition will also contain a newly commissioned poem reflecting East London’s complex history as a home to many diverse communities, and included a school’s history programme which ran from 12-13 June.
