Bloomsbury People explores the lives of the parallel communities in Bloomsbury and narrates the stories of the real people who live and work in London’s inner city cultural quarter, throwing light on the people, communities, famous streets and squares. It explores in detail the lives of the current diverse residents, the historic figures who have made notable advances in their fields, the activists and architects of change, inspiring women and the lives of contemporary children and young people who live in the area.

Hover over the images to read more, and follow the links to meet Bloomsbury People…

 

> Read 26 inspirations
> Read 26 inspirationsAs part of the 2022 Bloomsbury Festival, writers from 26 have written about things that inspire them.
> Read 26 Orphans
> Read 26 OrphansAs part of the 2022 Bloomsbury Festival, writers from 26 have written from the viewpoint of their favourite fictional characters who were orphaned or fostered in childhood.
> Visit our Bangladesh 50 mini-site
> Visit our Bangladesh 50 mini-siteMarking the 50th anniversary of the Independence of Bangladesh with the residents of Camden as part of Bloomsbury Festival 2021
> Read the Eye:Spy pieces
> Read the Eye:Spy piecesThe 2020 EYE:SPY project with writer's group 26, sets out to uncover some of Bloomsbury’s untold stories. While many of the area’s residents are famous (Charles Dickens; Virginia Woolf), countless others are obscure and largely forgotten, and Eye:Spy brings them to light.
> View the photographic exhibition by Catherine Packard
> View the photographic exhibition by Catherine PackardAn affectionate depiction of community life in a once infamous King’s Cross neighbourhood during the 80s and 90s, through the eyes of local photographer and resident Catherine Packard.
> READ THE 26 LEAPS
> READ THE 26 LEAPSWriters group 26 profile 26 Bloomsbury people, from the past and present, who have made a giant leap in their respective endeavours.
>LISTEN TO THE 'A FEW POUNDS IN MY POCKET' INTERVIEWS
>LISTEN TO THE 'A FEW POUNDS IN MY POCKET' INTERVIEWS A series of audio interviews which explore stories of journey, struggle and hope of people making Cromer Street their home, to accompany a mural by street artist Mohoammed Ali, for the 2019 Festival.
>WATCH THE ACTIVISTS & ARCHITECTS OF CHANGE FILM
>WATCH THE ACTIVISTS & ARCHITECTS OF CHANGE FILMThe theme for Bloomsbury Festival 2018 was Activists and Architects of Change. We collected stories from the people of Bloomsbury of all ages and backgrounds, who are trying in any way, big or small, to change things for the better - celebrating the positive voices of the neighbourhood.
> READ MORE AND LISTEN TO THE ONLINE AUDIO INSTALLATION
> READ MORE AND LISTEN TO THE ONLINE AUDIO INSTALLATIONCreated for the 2018 Bloomsbury Festival, Senate Women was an audio installation featuring 10 inspiring women working at University of London's Senate House, curated by Elizabeth Dearnley and Patrick Sanford. Listen to the startling stories of these world leaders and everyday activists.
> WATCH THE BLOOMSBURY SONGS FILM
> WATCH THE BLOOMSBURY SONGS FILMThis dynamic pop-up song cycle was performed by local choirs of different ages and backgrounds, giving voice to Bloomsbury Songs of independence, invisibility, resilience and revelry. Created by theatre maker Emma Bernard and composer Michael Henry.