New Exhibition: The Journey from Bunyan to the Brickworks

6 April 2019 – 29 September 2019

Connections Gallery – Free Entry

‘Fuelling the brick firing kilns, London Brick Company, Stewartby,
1952 © The Mutual Security Agency’

The Journey from Bunyan to the Brickworks exhibition explores the journeys of pride, inspiration and hope made by Bunyan who was imprisoned and persecuted for his beliefs, alongside the difficult journeys made by those who came to Bedford after the Second World War to work at the Brickworks. 

Many people have found inspiration in the life story of John Bunyan, who remained steadfast to his beliefs in spite of persecution and imprisonment. Many have been inspired by his most famous published work, The Pilgrim’s Progress which charts the story from despair to hope through faith. 

This story is mirrored in the stories of those that travelled to Bedford in the wake of the Second World War to work at the Brickworks. Many fled poverty, mass unemployment and persecution before coming to Bedford. Working conditions at the Brickworks were challenging, however many made new lives in Bedford.

A large 'stained-glass' effect window, in the style of the stunning windows in the Bunyan Meeting church forms the centre-piece of the exhibition. Films, recordings and objects collected from the community help to explore the stories of individuals that worked at the Brickworks.

There will be a variety of events including a programme of Brickworks-related talks and a Bedfordshire Brickworks Day on the 25^th May 2019. Bedfordshire Brickworks Day will include Brickworks-related talks, activities and folk music with local musicians in partnership with Invisible Folk. There will also be an interactive discussion panel where The Higgins Bedford will invite members of the public to share their Brickworks memories to contribute to The Higgins’ Wall of Inspiration.

This exhibition is the result of a collaborative Heritage Lottery funded project between John Bunyan Museum and the Bedford Chronicles.

Click here for more information about the exhibition.