Luton Made: Vauxhall exhibition draws nearly 50,000 visitors

The 12-month project, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, explored Vauxhall’s history in Luton through photographs, objects, archive material and personal stories – shining a light on the people and communities behind the factory doors.

More than 80 people contributed their memories and stories, with over 30 hours of new oral history recorded and more than 160 minutes of archival film digitised, helping to preserve an important part of Luton’s industrial heritage for future generations.

The project also involved 75 children from five Luton schools, who explored Luton’s heritage and helped shape how its stories should be told.

A programme of events brought Vauxhall’s story to life throughout the exhibition, including a classic car day featuring more than 60 Vauxhall vehicles spanning the decades, a family fun day of storytelling and crafts, and talks exploring different aspects of Vauxhall’s history and its impact on Luton.

Visitors also shared their own reflections on the exhibition.

John MacDonald said:

“The display brought back so many memories of my time working for Vauxhall, and I believe this was truly the ‘Halcyon’ period in its long history.”

Stephen Cooper said:

“It was heartwarming to watch my 81-year-old Dad (served 42 years, as well as his Dad) truly fascinated by the exhibition we stumbled upon by chance on Father’s Day. It was emotional for me to listen to him sharing his memories. A treasured afternoon.”

Councillor Basit Mahmood, Cabinet Member for Heritage at Luton Council, said:

“The success of Luton Made: Vauxhall has shown just how much interest there is in hearing and preserving Luton’s industrial stories. But Vauxhall is only one part of a much bigger story.

Vauxhall remains a key part of Luton's history and heritage and it's vitally important that all of our diverse communities know the past has played a part in our present

As time passes, there will be fewer people who remember what it was like to live and work alongside these industries, so it is important that we capture these memories while we can and make sure future generations understand the important role they played in Luton’s story.”

What’s next

The Luton Made team is now exploring opportunities to build on the success of the Vauxhall project by bringing together the stories of the many industries that have shaped Luton.

People with a connection to Luton’s industries, past or present, are encouraged to share their stories, memories or material as the project develops.

In September, as part of Heritage Open Days a series of pop-up exhibitions will showcase key themes from Luton Made: Vauxhall and provide further opportunities for people to contribute to Luton’s industrial heritage:

• Friday 11 September – Friday 18 September: Hat House (LU1 2NR)
• Friday 11 September – Sunday 20 September: Luton Central Library (LU1 2NG)
• Friday 11 September – Sunday 20 September: Frasers Plus (LU1 2TW)
• Friday 11 September – Sunday 20 September: Luton Airport Parkway Station (LU1 3JW)

More information about Luton Made: Vauxhall, including photographs and stories collected through the project, is available on the Luton Made website

Photo credit: Vasile Burla