Name: Heart of Glass
Price range: $

We’re working to uncover stories of inspiring women in Knowsley, as part of our ongoing Strong Women project, recognising the contributions of women from the borough.

Are you interested in local heritage? Want to develop new skills? Want to share what inspires you about your community? We need your help!

Across four workshops you will:

Learn about and work with the archive at Knowsley Library
Be supported by experienced archive staff and local historians
Choose an area of interest (from women and housing, to women in music, sport and politics) to focus your research
Learn technical recording skills from our Oral History guide Greig, including how to design and hold an interview, and how to approach transcribing your work

You will then be supported to record an oral history which will be included in the Knowsley Archive.

Get involved

Each workshop takes place at Knowsley Archive (inside Kirkby Library) and lasts 1.30pm - 4.30pm. We ask that you commit to attending all four workshops (book one ticket to all four), to get the most out of this opportunity.

To find out more, email anna.kronenburg@heartofglass.org.uk. If you would like to take part and need support with transport, please let us know.

A close up photograph of the Strong Women of St Helens mural, there are clay hearts in different shades of red and dark pink that read 'Janice', 'CJ', and 'Foz, Val, Nora'. — Photo by Radka Dolinska

Carrie and a member of the St Helens community tear away the dark blue tarpaulin to reveal the mural. — Photo by Radka Dolinska

A woman in a nurse's uniform looks up close at the mosaic with one hand on it, her expression is thoughtful. — Photo by Radka Dolinska

Part of Strong Women: a mural project highlighting the untold stories of local women, created by mosaic artist Carrie Reichardt, in collaboration with communities in St Helens and Knowsley.

In 2023, we collaborated with communities in Parr, St Helens who together made and decorated over 450 clay hearts in dedication to a strong woman they know, or have been inspired by. Together, the hearts form a striking mural on the wall outside The Connie Club. Strong Women of St Helens was unveiled at a community event in July 2023, and Carrie will soon be starting workshops in Kirkby, to influence a new mural: Strong Women of Knowsley.

The Strong Women programme is made possible by money raised by National Lottery players distributed through The National Lottery Heritage Fund. It forms part of Heart of Glass’ Arts Council England supported Creative People and Places programme. With additional support from Knowsley Archive.

The National Lottery Heritage Fund grant for new Strong Women project

We are delighted to announce that Heart of Glass has been awarded a grant of £95,998 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, to develop a new art project celebrating women in St Helens and Knowsley, and street art. Apply for a mentorship by Sunday 28th May.