Bringing back old memories!

This month, Big Telly Theatre Company in partnership with the Causeway Museum Service and funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund (NI), will be opening an interactive exhibition in their 'ª'ŽBOX'¬ space on Portstewart Promenade, which is sure to bring back some old memories of times gone by in Portstewart, Coleraine and Portrush.

Trade Secrets is a project which involves retailers, the public and artists with the main goal of sharing secret histories, stories and traditions connected with the local high street.

Big Telly are currently working with five artists who are interpreting the stories collected to make a miniature model/installation for each shop.

The artists involved are: Eimear Friers, who specialises in Fine Art Painting and Printmaking; Gail Mahon is an installation artist and ceramic sculptor; Laura Nelson is a community Artist/facilitator and specialises in 3D builds and prop making for theatre, carnival and festivals; Elaine Taylor is a sculptor based in Belfast who creates hand crafted original artwork; David Turner is a Belfast based artist who recreates memories with childhood mediums such as LEGO, Hama Beads and plasticine.

These artists and Big Telly facilitators have been working with local traders and the community to unearth the hidden truths behind each shop.

Shops which have been involved include stores from Coleraine, Portrush and Portstewart.

In all, 30 boxes will be completed to reflect some of the surprising histories of these local shops. These boxes will then be displayed in their associated stores and taken on tours to care homes throughout the north coast.

Opening times: Monday: Closed; Tuesday: 12.00-18.00; Wedesday:12.00-18.00; Thursday:12.00-20.00; Friday:12.00-20.00; Saturday: 12.00-20.00; Sunday: 12.00-20.00