The People’s Archive

One hundred and one prints and two large-scale lightboxes installed through King George’s Hall in Blackburn, made for the venue’s reopening in October 2026 after a £13.5 million restoration of the Grade II listed building.

Holman worked with the researcher Bruce Wilkinson through newspaper archives, books and historical accounts to assemble a picture of 105 years of programming. The Beatles, Queen playing as a support act, Blondie refusing to go on because of the spitting, Chuck Berry demanding payment in cash and then encouraging a stage invasion, the council banning further David Bowie gigs after a Ziggy Stardust appearance. Alongside them, bhangra nights, the rise of acid house in Blackburn, comedians’ first breaks, boxing and wrestling, and political meetings including Enoch Powell’s — met with opposition recorded on one print as ‘Blackburn is Anti-Fascist!’

The lightboxes were made from images by Derren Poole and produced by Parkinsons Signs in Blackburn. Around twenty people contributed to the installation, supported by the Creative Alliance and Blackburn with Darwen Council.