On 12th May 2024, a partnership of Live from Worktown, Bolton University and the Library and Museum Services asked people in Bolton to:
- complete a straightforward consultation questionnaire comprising three questions relating to their views on Bolton as a place of culture.
- create diaries of what they did on 12th May, the national Mass Observation Day.
“It’s a fusion pot where creative & cultural diversity meets our industrial heritage, the ragged West Pennine Moorlands and the lush landscapes of Lancashire.”
Having had time to review and analyse the responses, we are pleased to share the highlights from this follow-on initiative to the original ground-breaking Mass Observation study of the 1930s.
Responses
Overall, we were pleased with the response, receiving 35 consultation questionnaires and 52 diaries.
Diary Overview
The 2024 Mass Observation diaries from Bolton offer a profound insight into the daily lives, challenges, and cultural engagements of its residents. These personal narratives, encompassing themes such as meals and eating habits, health and well-being, social interactions, cultural engagement, household management, societal awareness, and digital life, collectively portray the multifaceted nature of life in Bolton. The diaries underscore the importance of leisure and entertainment, emphasising their role in fostering well-being and social connection.
The Centre for Literature and Community, University of Bolton.
Consultation Questions
Linking the questions to Bolton’s recent award of the Greater Manchester Town of Culture, three simple to answer questions were posed to Bolton residents.
- What, in your view, makes Bolton unique as a place of culture?
- What would improve your experience of culture in Bolton?
- Are you aware of any writers or artists inspired by, or connected with, Bolton?
These consultation responses further illuminate Bolton’s cultural landscape revealing a rich appreciation for Bolton’s historical significance, diverse cultural offerings, and identified areas needing enhancement. This feedback underscores the community’s desire for a revitalised cultural infrastructure, more inclusive programming, and a stronger emphasis on preserving Bolton’s heritage.
The Centre for Literature and Community, University of Bolton.
Question 1 – What, in your view, makes Bolton unique as a place of culture?
The town centre is viewed positively by many as a hub for culture and cite The Library and Museum, the Octagon and the town’s historic buildings but there are concerns, especially the decline of the town centre in recent decades.
Question 2 – What would improve your experience of culture in Bolton?
A range of comments that can be broadly headed as inclusion and accessibility contributed the highest number of mentions. Many people listed concerns in their response to this question and they contribute to the reasons why they visit town less. Otherwise the town is viewed as having a need for more venues for all types of art, heritage and culture.
Question 3 – Are you aware of any writers or artists inspired by, or connected with, Bolton?
The responses to this question really demonstrate the pride that local people have in knowing that many famous and successful people in all areas of the arts and entertainment have come from Bolton.
Our summary thoughts . . .
This Mass Observation project just lifted the corner of the carpet regarding life in Bolton today. It attempted with limited resources to canvas accounts of everyday life on one Sunday in May and to collect views on culture in Bolton. Responses were limited, numerically and demographically, and possibly reflect the views of individuals already aware of, or engaged in, mainstream cultural activities in the town ie users of Library and Museum services, attenders at existing cultural events and venues, or practicing creatives.
However the project demonstrated a commitment by a number of organisations in seeking resident views in the interest of forging something brighter and better for everyone in the town. It used adapted available channels such as the Live from Worktown website, University of Bolton staff and student comms channels, LAMS postbox facilities, raised awareness through Bolton FM and the LfW newsletter, and invested a large number of hours in joint planning and dissemination of information related to Mass Observation. As such it is a contribution to a public debate on Bolton’s unique history and the planning of its future as a vibrant place to live, learn and work.
Acknowledgements
To deliver the Bolton-focussed MO Diary Day and Consultations, Live from Worktown is pleased to have had the opportunity to work in partnership with the Mass Observation Archive at the University of Sussex, The Centre for Literature and Community, the University of Bolton and The Library and Museum Service, Bolton Council.
Next Steps
At the time of writing, the team at Bolton University have organised a follow-on workshop, entitled Stories of Ourselves, as a part of a nationwide Being Human festival that is running during from 7th – 16th November 2024 across different locations in the UK. The sessions at Bolton Central Library explore the Mass Observation project’s attempt to create an ‘Anthropology of Ourselves’ through words and images and has been organised by the University of Bolton, Greater Manchester School of Arts.
We’re keen to continue this initiative and there are even rumours of an anthology based on the diary reposes, so watch this space!