Woolwich Centre Library marked Our Freedom: Then and Now with Woolwich at War, a powerful exhibition and opening event exploring the area’s remarkable role in the war effort and what freedom means in today’s world. Through new artwork, archival treasures and community storytelling, the programme invited visitors to reflect on Woolwich’s past and its enduring spirit of resilience and innovation.
New Artwork by Lucia Collelo and Stuart Lee
At the heart of the programme was a striking new artwork created by local artists Lucia Collelo and Stuart Lee. Inspired by Woolwich’s wartime history and the continuing importance of freedom, their piece used bold ideas and imaginative visuals to bring local stories vividly to life. The artwork formed the centrepiece of the exhibition, offering a contemporary creative response to the area’s legacy of courage, solidarity and service.
Archival Treasures from Greenwich Archives
Alongside the new artwork, visitors could explore a rare selection of items from Greenwich Archives, including original documents, photographs and artefacts connected to Woolwich’s wartime past. These materials offered a tangible link to the people, places and moments that shaped the town’s contribution to the war effort, deepening the exhibition’s sense of history and place.
Opening Event and Talk
The exhibition launched with a special event on Saturday 20 September, featuring a talk by local historian Richard Sylvester. His presentation shed light on Woolwich’s crucial contributions during times of conflict, revealing untold stories of bravery, ingenuity and community resilience. The opening brought together art lovers, history enthusiasts and local residents for an evening of discovery, creativity and reflection.
Exhibition Run
Following the launch, the Woolwich at War exhibition remained open at Woolwich Centre Library until Monday 20 October, giving visitors the chance to explore the artwork and archival displays at their own pace. The exhibition celebrated Woolwich’s legacy while inviting audiences to consider the freedoms gained, and the freedoms still being shaped, in the present day.