THE work of photography students has been showcased in an intergenerational exhibition at Storyhouse in Chester.

The exhibition, called ‘Keys to My Memory’, captures intimate dialogues between strangers of different generations.

It features images of older people, alongside everyday objects with particular significance to their lives, and was produced for the Big Lottery funded project, Brightlife.

‘Keys to My Memory’ was created by four second-year photography students from the University of Chester – Lorna Elwin, Abi Miller, Beth Grimes-Thomas and Tim Newman.

Having been exhibited at venues around Cheshire, it came to Storyhouse as part of the ‘Great Get Together’ weekend, a UK-wide celebration inspired by the murdered MP Jo Cox.

In association with Storyhouse, Brightlife organised a full day of taster activities for the over-50s on Saturday.

During the day, the students’ exhibition featured in the Storyhouse lobby.

Dr Tracy Piper-Wright, senior lecturer in photography at the University of Chester, said: “It has been a real pleasure to work with Brightlife on the ‘Keys to my Memory’ exhibition, and the feedback so far from those who have seen it has been wonderful.”

She added: “This has been such an inspiring cross-generational project and we are really proud of the effort that the students put into forging a relationship with the older people they met and the work they have produced as a result.

“This has been a great way for the students to engage with the wider community in Chester and to use their creative skills in the real world.”

One student, Tim Newman, said: “We couldn’t believe how willing everyone was to talk to us, really open up and share their memories and tales behind old paintings, photos, recipes, items of clothing and childhood treasures.

“We’ve learnt about all sorts – from ‘Lend a Hand on the Land’, trading rabbits for coal in the war (illegally), to the Ministry of Food’s recipe for Woolton Pie.”

Chris McMahon, social prescribing manager at Brightlife and organiser of the exhibition, said: “Reminiscence activities are so important as people get older.

“They help people stay connected to their past, while reinforcing their sense of self, which is vital for their wellbeing.”

The exhibition images can be viewed at www.brightlifecheshire.org.uk/news/gallery/