Coleraine Museum’s Killowen exhibition is now open

Entitled ‘Through the Lens: Killowen’, it includes a small selection of archived photographs from local newspapers

An exhibition chronicling the Killowen area of Coleraine is now open in the Coleraine Town Hall.  The exhibition includes a series of historical photographs from the region.

These include images from pantomimes, Chemstrand Christmas parties, streets, houses and people that lived in the area throughout the years. It also features photographs taken by Sammy Walker and Robert Glassey which date back as far as 1950, if not earlier! Objects on display include baby weighing scales and toys from the Mary Ranken Hospital and items relating to the Killowen Male Voice Choir.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to view artefacts from the Gribbon Linen Mill, Shamrock Factory and Monsanto. Visitors will also be able to view a map, kindly donated by the Mc Laughlin family. It was produced for the Clothworkers Company by the Surveyor, Fred W. Porter. The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Alderman Maura Hickey said, “Over the years, an abundance of photographs, taken by Chronicle and Constitution photographers, have resulted in a huge archive of images, currently on loan to Coleraine Museum. Volunteers have begun the process of scanning these and making them accessible.

Ronnie Gamble’s research and books have been an immense resource in preparing this exhibition and I would like to thank him. I would encourage you to call into the Town Hall and see how many places and faces you recognise.” Anyone with photographs relating to Killowen is asked to bring them to Coleraine Town Hall on Saturday 26th November between 11.30am and 2.30pm where they can be scanned and added to the slide show.

All original photographs will be returned on the day. Ronnie Gamble will be giving a talk on Old Killowen on Thursday 8th December at 7pm in Coleraine Town Hall. Ronnie’s knowledge of Killowen is extensive and it’s sure to be a fantastic event. The exhibition runs until December 23rd, Tuesday to Saturday, 11am – 4pm. For more information, please contact, Sarah Carson – sarah.carson@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk or 028 7034 7234