‘The display brought back so many memories’ – nearly 50,000 people visit Luton Vauxhall exhibition

The Luton Made: Vauxhall exhibition at Stockwood Park Discovery Centre ran from Saturday, May 2 to Sunday, August 9.

It had originally been due to close earlier, but was extended due to popular demand.

The project, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, explored Vauxhall’s history in Luton through photographs, objects, archive material and personal stories.

Visitor 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.”

Visitor Stephen Cooper added: “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.”

More than 80 people contributed their memories, with more than 30 hours of new oral history recorded and over 160 minutes of archival film digitised.

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.

A programme of events was held alongside the exhibition, including a classic car day featuring more than 60 Vauxhall vehicles, a family fun day and talks about the company’s history and its impact on Luton.

Councillor Basit Mahmood, Luton Council’s cabinet member for heritage, said: “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.

“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 exploring opportunities to bring together stories from the many industries that have shaped the town.

People with connections to Luton’s industries, past or present, are being encouraged to share their stories, memories or material as the project develops.

Pop-up exhibitions showcasing themes from Luton Made: Vauxhall will also be held as part of Heritage Open Days from Friday, September 11.

They will be at Hat House until Friday, September 18, and Luton Central Library, Frasers Plus and Luton Airport Parkway Station until Sunday, September 20.