The first-ever history of British homelessness, told in a library of 70 books handmade by people with experience of homelessness. The books describe lived experience in interviews, poetry, and art. They were exhibited at the Houses of Parliament, the Southbank, Brighton Dome, and Manchester Central Library. Led by artist Lois Blackburn, and poet Philip Davenport. Specialist book making, with artist Jeni McConnell.
Doing the art I have a voice. Going to the Houses of Parliament and giving me a chance to speak there- I felt very good, you make me feel important. It’s what I’ve got now, it’s all I own. Jack Quashie
The Library undertook 70 oral history interviews. All of the interviews were serialised on the arthur+martha blog. Fifteen of them were included in a virtual catalogue of the Library. This catalogue also featured footnotes by homeless people, older people, and academics. It included contextual essays by social historians, a book artist, and poet/educationalist Professor Jeffrey Robinson.
Making The Homeless Library helped some people to lighten their load. Two participants attribute this project to no longer being homeless. The temporary place of safety this project offered was making art and poetry. The shared delight of the creative sessions was uplifting to witness. We provided people with a short time away from fear. We also offered them a break from addiction and intimidation. This was perhaps the most valuable gift that we had to bring. Self-expression is one of the deepest human needs, it defines identity, allows change and brings joy.
“It’s put me back on the ladder to life.” (Danny Collins, participant)
The Homeless Library was launched at the Houses of Parliament in May 2016. It was there that they were welcomed by the Undersecretary of State Marcus Jones and Ann Coffey MP. Both listened to speeches by homeless participants. It made its public debut at The Southbank, London, accompanied by an online ebook. This exhibition was reviewed in The Lancet as a significant contribution to the welfare of homeless people. The Homeless Library went on to be exhibited at numerous conferences.
Bury Art Museum hosted an exhibition. Handmade books from the Library are now part of their permanent collection. They are in the Text Archive at the gallery. A selection of the books is permanently displayed at the Booth Centre, where many of them were made.
It’s opened my eyes to myself. I’ve not been to a group in years, I’d forgotten how much I enjoyed making art. I’m thinking of going to college now. Christine.
Participants
180 people aged 18 – 95
Exhibitions
2017 Pop-up exhibitions at The Booth Centre, The People’s History Museum and Gallery Oldham. Audience number 135
2017 Archives+ at Manchester Central Library. Audience approx 57,000
2016/17 Bury Art Museum. Audience number 5980
2016 University of Glasgow Audience number 60
2016 The Poetry Library, Festival Hall, The Southbank, London. Audience number 4500.
2016 The Houses of Parliament, London. Audience approx 700
Total exhibition audience 68,375
“I was honoured to be in parliament yesterday to see first-hand the amazing artwork that has been produced for the homeless library. This feels like a really important moment – giving voice to a marginalised group and telling their hidden history in the heart of Westminster. We are proud to have supported it with National Lottery players’ money.” Sara Hilton, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund North West
On-Line Audience 40,000 and growing
More Information
Free ebook www.blurb.co.uk
Blogged interviews, evaluations, session feedback, news arthur-and-martha
Documentary Film HomelessLibrary and youtube.com
On-line portfolio arthur-and-martha
Poem collection arthur-and-martha-poems
Sound recordings soundcloud.com
Media and Press coverage
BBC Manchester Radio 2017, Interview with Philip Davenport, BBC Breakfast News 2017That’s Manchester TV 2017, The Lancet 2016 the-lancet Time Out 2016, Manchester Council 2017 http://www.manchester.gov.uk Manchester Histories Festival 2017, Loving Manchester 2017
2016 Lois Blackburn and Philip Davenport presented to House of Lords about the project for the Case Study for All Party Parliamentary Group artshealthandwellbeing
This has been an empowering experience for all involved. It is one that will live long in the memory. Providing homeless and disadvantaged people opportunities to get involved in creative experiences is very meaningful. It helps people raise their confidence. It also enhances their ability to work positively around areas of their lives that present problems and barriers.
Jonathan Billings, Manager of The Wellspring homeless resource centre
Lois Blackburn 