University of Gloucestershire is set to launch two exhibitions at its new City Campus, exploring the history of one of Gloucester’s most iconic buildings.
Marking a moment of transition for the former retail location – now a modern centre of teaching and learning – the Memories of Debenhams campaign has collected the stories and photographs that connect generations of local people to Debenhams and Bon Marché.
The free Memories of Debenhams exhibition, which runs from 13 March to 27 March, will showcase the artefacts held by Gloucestershire Archives, oral histories, and mementos from members of the community and former Debenhams and Bon Marché employees.
Clair Greenaway, Academic Course Leader for BA (Hons) Business and Management (Events Management), said: “So many members of our community have memories of the building in its department store days, whether that’s visiting Father Christmas, having tea with grandparents at the weekend, meeting friends or working here.
“We wanted to capture these stories and memories to acknowledge that this is more than a building – it’s part of the DNA of the city.
“We look forward to welcoming visitors to the Memories of Debenhams exhibition and Reflected Histories exhibitions and share in a celebration of City Campus’ wonderful history and its fantastic future at the heart of Gloucester.”
Image: Illustration by Dr Ed Barret featuring at the Reflected Histories: A Department Store of the Imagination exhibition at City Campus
