Category: Vintage

Flora’s Handover

During the run up to DeptfordX 23 we were joined by a Goldsmiths Anthropology and Visual Practices student Flora Tye. Thanks to her great effort and support, much of the Co-oPepys media archive was unboxed and digitised.

These are her handover notes.

I have looked through all of the photo’s and scanned a selection (500+) I have also organised some of the photo’s into polypockets, which are labelled in a clear plastic box in the sewing room. None of the black and white photo’s on the walls have been scanned.

Video

I have looked through the VHS tapes which are marked and converted the following to digital format:

Paperwork

I have organised the loose paperwork (which was on top of the filing cabinets) into chronological order. I have also put aside a small section which maybe interesting/useful. This is in a red tray in the office. Here is the information I have retrieved from the paperwork which may be of use;

  • 82/83 Income = £43,330 82/83 Grant provided to Combination Outreach Project of £1919.88
  • 83/84 Income = £48,340 84 3 full time staff, 1 part time
  • 85 Grant provided for large scale mural – £6,000 from Superstructures Limited
  • 85/86 Dragon Garden was built 86 Independent evaluation paid for by Lewisham council – £700 (report carried out by Pete Sketchley)
  • 86/87 Income = £66,538 87/
  • 88 Income = £65,276
  • 92 Co-oPepys becomes independent project (no longer working under the Albany)
  • 93 threat to art group funding
  • 93/94? became a registered charity – main funder Lewisham leisure services, 25% income raised from charity, public funding bodies, and small grants. “Managed by a voluntary committee made up of local residents and people with experience in community and community arts work”
  • 98 Granted £8,303 by Bridge House Estates trust fund
  • 99 Granted £9,800 by Bridge House Estates trust fund 05 Pete Pope resigned

(All of the supporting documentation for this is either in the top left hand drawer labelled ‘paperwork in chronological order’, or in the red tray)

Then and Now

In 1981 Co-oPepys was established in response to an outreach project by the Albany Empire to increase access to the arts, and to nurture community life. A colourful programme including arts workshops, festivals, dance classes, and theatre productions arrived on Pepys estate, with the aim of bringing people together “to work and play in a spirit of celebration”.

From 1984 until 1996 news and events were broadcast through the magazine ‘Pepys Diary’ designed, printed and distributed by local residents to every household in the estate area. Over the decades Co-oPepys has worked consistently with people of all ages, as well maintaining a focus on the empowerment of women. The wealth of free activities provided over the last 42 years has offered local people the chance to create and connect, that inspired pride and agency over the lived environment.

Today Co-oPepys is a space for everyone to make art and meet with like-minded people. Our Art Club on Monday and Wednesday evenings provides free access to facilities, materials and guidance, hosted by skilled art practitioners.


Where previously Co-oPepys received funding to allow for paid work, we now exist as a registered charity reliant on the continuing dedication of our long standing volunteers. As ever, we remain committed to broadening our scope for workshops, as well as increasing accessibility and inclusivity.

Co-oPepys believes in the impact of projects such as this one to add joy and richness to the lives of individuals, as well as its power in the creation and sustenance of resilient communities. Like many other arts organisations, we are engaged in an ongoing battle to preserve the necessity of art and play in a society which increasingly dismisses it.


We view Co-oPepys as a vital and historical community asset in need of protection. If you wish to help re-invigorate the spirit of Co-oPepys please get in touch at: coopepys@gmail.com

We are forever grateful for the commitment of Pete Pope, Dalva James, Tony Bone, Pocket the Clown (Lez Brooks) and Malcolm Ball who are no longer with us, as well as the energy invested by all Co-oPepys staff and volunteers since 1981.