Bring local history to life for your pupils with this engaging and interactive workshop at Impressions Gallery, using family photographs to explore the stories of Bradford’s different communities.

As part of the workshop, pupils will explore the exhibition Make Yourself at Home: Stories from Bradford. Bridging past and present, the exhibition weaves together newly commissioned photography and rich archival material to present a vibrant portrait of life in Bradford over the last century.

In the first part of the workshop, pupils will look at the lives of the people in the photographs. This will be an opportunity to learn about different cultural traditions, favourite foods, special clothing, celebrations, and stories of people moving to Bradford and making it their home. Pupils will take part in discussions around culture and identity, and working in small groups, pupils will choose a photo to study in more detail. By asking simple questions, they will uncover more about the people and stories in the image.

Pupils will also explore Bradford Family Album, the city’s new digital archive of family photos. This captivating collection brings together family photographs shared by people from homes, community groups and local clubs across Bradford, giving an insight into what has changed here from the 1900s to the 2000s. Pupils will explore what life was like for children in the past, by discovering how different communities played together, celebrated their cultures, and enjoyed everyday family life.

In the final part of the workshop, pupils will work in groups and take part in hands-on activities to help them explore their own culture and identity, while also learning more about the stories and backgrounds of their classmates.

This workshop is ideal for KS2 Local History, offering an opportunity to connect pupils with Bradford’s history through the stories of their classmates and neighbours.

Curriculum areas: History, English, Art and Design,

Learning outcomes

Pupils will:

• Develop an understanding of local history by exploring family photographs shared by people living in Bradford.
• Develop a deeper understanding of the lives, cultures, and experiences of different people and communities.
• Learn historical terms such as migration, and tradition.
• Make connections between past and present by exploring old family photographs and newly commissioned photographs of people living in Bradford today.
• This workshop supports the teaching of British Values and aims to teach tolerance and respect for people of different faiths.

Booking details

We’re excited to offer up to three Bradford schools a free class workshop at Impressions Gallery, with some budget available to help cover coach travel. To find out more, please contact our Learning Manager at jennifersobol@impressions-gallery.com

• Workshop cost £120 + VAT
• The session time is 2 hours long.
• Workshop available from 15 September to 19 December
• Maximum 35 students per session.
• Where possible, please book at least two weeks in advance.
• Call Jennifer Sobol, Learning Manager on 01274 737843 or email jennifersobol@impressions-gallery.com

Make Yourself at Home: Stories from Bradford is curated and produced by Impressions Gallery and New Focus: Bradford Young Curators. Commissioned by Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture.