Exeter Phoenix possesses an extraordinary historical resource; an archive of approximately 5 hours of 16mm film footage dating from the 1930s to the 1950s, tracking one family's travels and activities through this turbulent period.

Due to the fragile nature of the film much of the contents had not been viewed prior to digitisation, but tantalising clues to the contents were available through the notes written on the original film packaging.

With the archive now digitised the range and quality of material present represents a beautiful and unique perspective on life in the mid 20th century. From daily life and family outings, to major historical events and world travel, the archive represents an exciting historical record.

As well as preserving this valuable resource we have been working with project partners to hold community workshops, create public responses to the footage, hold live screenings of previously unseen film, and develop academic and creative responses, including commissions for creative practitioners to make work responding to the collection.