WORK Records, Corby

Archives, animation and documentary come together for an evening exploring historic working lives and Corby’s industrial heritage. Join Animate Projects, Corby Community Arts and Fermynwoods Contemporary Art at the Savoy Cinema in Corby for a special evening of films exploring historic working lives, industrial heritage and the people whose labour has shaped our communities. The evening begins with Combine by Amanda Loomes, originally commissioned by Fermynwoods Contemporary Art in 2020 as part of Triple Harvest, a series of commissions inviting artists to remix archival films of Corby's industrial heritage. Combining footage from historic films of Corby's steel and iron ore industries with contemporary material filmed at Ketton Cement Works in Rutland, Combine brings past and present into dialogue, giving voice to often unseen workers and questioning industry's use of human resources. The programme continues with WORK Records: Animating Historic Working Lives, an 18-month creative heritage project led by Animate Projects, exploring historic working lives through the archives of three family firms across the East Midlands. Artists Kate Anderson, Kim Noce and Saul Pankhurst have worked with archivists, historians, former workers and volunteers to uncover stories from knitwear manufacturer John Smedley in Derbyshire, packaging company Robinson and Sons in Chesterfield, and Stewarts & Lloyds steelworks in Corby. The screening features all three new animations, alongside a short documentary by Chris Bevan exploring the making of the project, culminating in Club Corby by Saul Pankhurst. Drawing on archival material and memories of former steelworkers, Club Corby brings Corby's industrial heritage to life, exploring the people, communities and working lives shaped by the Works. Together, these films reveal the human stories behind industrial history, considering how the experiences of past generations continue to shape the places we live and work today. Speakers include artist Amanda Loomes and Gary Thomas, Director of Animate Projects, who will share insights into the films and the creative processes behind them. Whether you have a personal connection to Corby's steelmaking history, an interest in local heritage or simply enjoy documentary film and animation, everyone is welcome. Event details Tuesday 24 November 2026 6pm Savoy Cinema Parkland Gateway George Street Corby Northamptonshire NN17 1QG Tickets: £5 WORK Records was devised and produced by Animate Projects, with Fermynwoods Contemporary Art as its Northamptonshire engagement partner, and is supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Arts Council England.