The exhibition at Low Hill Library traces the life of the estate through photos, maps and personal recollections and marks around 100 years since the first homes were built on the estate.
It is the result of a memories group set up at Low Hill Library as part of the wider Know Your Neighbourhood project, and thanks to the support of the Friends of Wolverhampton Archives.
Mayor of Wolverhampton Councillor Craig Collingswood attended a special launch event yesterday (Wednesday 1 October, 2025), which featured an interactive art workshop led by Charlotte Webb, a talk by the Friends of Wolverhampton Archives tracing the estate’s development and a poetry reading by Emma Purshouse.
The exhibition will remain on display at Low Hill Library until early next year, with visitors invited to explore the collection and immerse themselves in memories of working at Goodyear and Guy Motors, socialising at the Bushbury Arms, enjoying shows at the Clifton Cinema and the Penny Bike Park, shopping in Showell Circus, and attending local schools and churches.
Mayor Councillor Collingswood said: “I was delighted to be invited to the official opening of this brilliant new exhibition.
“There are so many fascinating stories to tell of life in Low Hill over the last 100 years and it was a pleasure to meet and chat with residents who are proud to have called Low Hill home for many years.”
Jen Lees, project lead for Know Your Neighbourhood at Wolverhampton Libraries, said: “We’ve amassed a fascinating archive of material thanks to the generosity of local people. This centenary display is an opportunity to share their stories and to celebrate the Low Hill community.”
Councillor Bhupinder Singh Gakhal, Cabinet Member for Resident Services, added: “This exhibition honours 100 years of neighbourhood life and gives everyone a chance to connect with their local heritage. I’d encourage residents of all ages to come along, reminisce, and contribute their own memories as we celebrate Low Hill’s centenary.”
The Know Your Neighbourhood project involves funding of up to £30 million and is designed to widen participation in volunteering and tackle loneliness in 27 disadvantaged areas across England. The funding comes from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and has been distributed by Arts Council England (ACE) in partnership with national charity Libraries Connected.
Wolverhampton Libraries was awarded £86,000 which has been used to create a range of social activities in libraries across the city including bereavement social groups, walking groups, arts and crafts sessions, menopause cafes, Diwali celebrations, and several local history groups focusing on distinct areas of the city, such as Low Hill.
