The project, which includes filmmaking and dramatic reconstructions, has been made possible by a grant of £9,800 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).

The Butterfly Fx are working with local volunteers, former employees, and young people to capture the experience of working at the Brickworks, which is the last surviving example of a steam-driven plant. Dating from the end of the 19th century the huge complex manufactured millions of bricks used for buildings in London and across the South Coast.

The young people are recording the stories of former employees and through drama reconstructions are recreating the brick-making processes and portray how some of the remaining buildings would have been used. When complete, the films will be shown to future visitors to the Bursledon Brickworks Industrial Museum, which has also received a Heritage Lottery grant*.

Stuart McLeod, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund South East England, said: “This project is helping to illuminate working life on the site while introducing those taking part in a range of skills including interviewing and filmmaking.”

Beyond the Brickworks will culminate in an exhibition celebrating the young people’s work for National Heritage Open Day on 8 September.

Lisa Calder, Director of The Butterfly Fx, said: “This is an exciting project for young people to explore the heritage on their doorstep, whilst learning new media skills. The films made by the young people will be a permanent installation helping future visitors to understand the working life of the Brickworks.”

Carolyne Haynes, Management Team, added: "Bursledon Brickworks is delighted to be able to work on the Hidden Histories project. We have scant knowledge of the people who once worked on the site and are excited to be given the opportunity to find out more. The real testimonies of those who once worked on the site will help to bring the place alive for today's visitors."

The project runs until 4 August. If you are a former employee and would like to share your experiences please contact Lisa Calder on 023 8065 1130 or email lisa@thebutterflyfx.net.

Notes to editors

The Butterfly Fx  is a social enterprise set up in 2009 with the support of Unltd. It works with young people and disadvantaged communities to provide inspirational and engaging media projects. The process of making a film brings a community together, to explore the history, culture and issues, record stories and learn media skills.  

The Bursledon Brickworks Industrial Museum (BBIM) is owned by Hampshire Buildings Preservation Trust, a registered charity. It is a museum and visitor attraction. BBIM is responsible for the preservation of the Grade II* listed building complex and associated machinery and provides learning opportunities on site for a wide range of people. The site is wholly run by volunteers. Their main income is from admissions. The museum is open to visitors on Open Days.

* The Heritage Lottery Fund also confirmed a grant of £61,300 as a ‘first round pass’ to Bursledon Brickworks Industrial Museum to work up detailed plans for improvements to the museum. A ‘first-round pass’ means the project meets the Heritage Lottery Fund’s criteria for funding and HLF believes it has potential to deliver high-quality benefits and value for Lottery money. A first-round pass is an endorsement of outline proposals.  Having been awarded, the project now has up to two years to submit fully developed proposals to compete for a firm award.

Further information

If you would like more details about the project please contact Lisa Calder on 023 8065 1130 or email lisa@thebutterflyfx.net.