Starting as part of the College’s 50th Anniversary celebrations in 2021, the Oral History Project gathers together memories from staff, students and alumni from the early days of the College’s inception in 1971, right through to the present.
So far, 27 people have recorded their memories with Oral Historian and West Dean College Archives Volunteer Jackie Herrington. Each recording adds new gems of its own as well as adding to a growing picture of how West Dean College has provided cherished and life-changing experiences in the lives of so many students and staff.
It is remarkable how many students, as their careers have developed, have returned to West Dean College as tutors, and how many are involved in the life of the College today; providing work placements and/or hosting visits in their own workshops for current students.
We know many students have gone on to careers outside West Dean College and beyond the UK who are more difficult to reach who we would love to include.
The project is open-ended, it’s not too late to get involved and Jackie would very much like to hear from you. Please email [email protected].