Chester heritage centre gathers photographs of office parties

July 31, 2009

A heritage and history centre in Chester is tracking down old pictures of office parties from days gone by for an exhibition that it hopes will unearth some pleasant memories for Chester people and local companies.

When we leave a job, some of our fondest memories will be from office parties we attended. The annual office Christmas party is somewhat of a British institution and although most office parties are much more lavish affairs these days, with most happening outside of the office, at special party venues dedicated to making sure everyone has a great time, in the past they were often very different...but always lots of fun.

In an attempt to capture the spirit of the office Christmas party, Chester History and Heritage Centre in the town’s Bridge Street, is launching an exhibition called ‘A Bit Of A Do.’ The centre says it hopes the collection of photographs taken at office Christmas parties and outings will show what office life used to be like in the past.

So far, the centre has a small collection, including photos from local firms like the Majestic Cinema, De Havillands and Summer’s Steelworks. It is now asking people to donate copies of any office party pictures they may have from years ago.

The exhibition runs from 3 August to 10 October and the centre would also like to hear of any memories people may have of local office parties.