In My Footsteps: East End Residents Share Their Special Places

M@
By M@ Last edited 115 months ago

Last Updated 28 March 2015

In My Footsteps: East End Residents Share Their Special Places

Screen Shot 2015-03-27 at 16.56.43

Here's a rather wonderful community project in which to immerse yourself. In My Footsteps is a website and app that's awash with tales from the East End, as told by residents of various ages and backgrounds.

Each resident shares his or her memories through video, audio, old maps and photographs. One contributor, 15-year-old Milanda, even uses animation to give an impressionistic take on Poplar.

This is addictive stuff. We've seen many, many digital area guides over the years, but this one has real heart and a genuine sparkle of authenticity. Whether it's Joe recounting his final walk through Poplar before wartime evacuation, or relative newcomer Joyce offering poetic insights into Limehouse's redevelopment, each contributor commands your attention. Participants were encouraged to use local archives to add depth to their monologues, imbuing the mix with a winning combination of personal memory and research.

Have a play with the site or, better yet, download the GPS-enabled app for Android and iOS and follow in the footsteps of these 16 contributors.

In My Footsteps was created by Manifesta, a cultural diversity, social inclusion and anti-racism organisation.