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Somerset revival of 200-year tradition dubbed ‘TikTok of its day’

Mel Everett & Leigh Boobyer

BBC News, Somerset

Shoemakers Museum A row of old books which are the village albumsShoemakers Museum

Glastonbury and Street village residents made album books of people’s everyday experiences

A 200-year tradition, dubbed the “Facebook or TikTok of its day”, is set to be revived.

Albums, made up of paintings, drawings and poems, were first established in Glastonbury, Somerset, in 1811 and 1857 in Street.

They were a view into local people’s lives as they shared their everyday experiences for everyone to read, for the benefit of future generations.

The last collection was made in 1998, but now Strode College, The King’s Trust and Street’s planned Shoemaker’s Museum are leading a project to create a 2025 version.

Liz Fox, marketing manager of Shoemaker’s Museum, told BBC Radio Somerset: “The village album was the equivalent of Facebook or TikTok of the day where people were making their own entertainment.

“People from the community are contributing little snapshots of things that are interesting to them.”

Shoemakers Museum Drawings of different kinds of modern shoes such as Crocs and ConversesShoemakers Museum

Artwork will also be included in the 2025 version of the album

Members of Street’s community shared poems, paintings and photographs for the latest edition of the album on 20 February after an open day.

Entries have also been submitted by local schools in Street, Strode College and by residents of retirement homes.

Shoemakers Museum A painting in the 1901 village album of a tree falling onto the floor. It has two signs saying 'village album' and 'Wyrral Nov. 23.1901'. In the background of the tree is red, yellow and blue colours.Shoemakers Museum

The village albums were produced for decades

Ms Fox said the entries are “exquisite”.

“[They’re] absolutely beautiful. They represent the skills and interests in any community.

She added: “It’s such a beautiful thing to do… it’ll be great to revive this tradition. It’s a really good, collaborative community project.

“It’s all about creating a lasting legacy.”


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