Researchers are looking for people to come forward with memories of Speakers' Corner and for volunteers who would like training in oral history techniques (as well as a chance to work on education, a radio show and an exhibition at Bishopsgate). This is how they explain it.
Speakers' Corner is the spiritual home of public debate and free speech in Britain. Bishopsgate Institute and On the Record are collaborating on Sounds from the Park: a project that will uncover its eccentric history and traditions.
“I have been a member of Speakers’ Corner audiences since 1960. I mingled with the crowd, listened to great speakers and enjoyed the wise-cracks of hecklers and the speaker’s repartee. It’s great that this oral history project has now been funded – the spirit of Speakers’ Corner must be celebrated and preserved to help inspire a new generation of budding orators and keep this unique place of public debate and free speech alive. I am happy to be part of this exciting project,” said Reinhardt Wentz, member of the project Steering group.
Sounds from the Park aims to collect 20 oral history interviews with diverse speakers, listeners and orators. An exciting program of learning workshops and public events will culminate in an exhibition, a radio show and a permanent archive of Speakers’ Corner oral histories and memorabilia at Bishopsgate Institute. The archive will span from 1866, when the Reform League tore down the gates of Hyde Park, to the present day.
This volunteer led project will provide a new perspective on social and political developments in 20th century Britain.
Platforms at Speakers’ Corner have included women’s suffrage, pacifism, socialism, LGBT rights, national liberation and religion alongside comic, often eccentric, speakers who entertained the crowds.
“This fascinating project will uncover and preserve the stories of orators, listeners and hecklers who were at Speakers' Corner during its heyday helping to make it a unique example of free speech, controversial debate and public entertainment. It deserves a comprehensive, accessible archive and now this will be achieved.” Sue Bowers, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund London.
Sounds from the Park was awarded £41,100 from the Heritage Lottery Fund and £2,814 from the Barry Amiel and Norman Melburn Trust.
If you wanted to get involved in this exciting project, On the Record are looking for volunteers from all walks of life, and people with memories of Speakers’ Corner to help them archive material, carry out oral history interviews, conduct historical research, produce a radio show and curate an exhibition. You could also be invited to join the project steering group. If you are interested contact Laura Mitchison at info@on-the-record.org.uk or telephone 07787243656
