News | Monday, 23rd November 2020
Major estates investment and powerful history project shortlisted for this week's THE Awards
6GMS refurbishment and Finding the Peterloo Eleven up for flagship HE prizes on Thursday
A major investment in the University estate and a remarkable research project that brought to life one of Manchester’s most infamous historical events are both aiming to win at this week's Times Higher Education Awards 2020.
Finding the Peterloo Eleven - a public history project led by Dr Michala Hulme that tracked down living descendants of the 1819 massacre - is nominated for Research Project of the Year: Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
While the University’s £12m refurbishment of 6 Great Marlborough Street (6GMS) for Professional Services staff is in the running for Outstanding Estates Strategy.
The THE Awards are the higher education sector’s flagship awards and will be held in a virtual ceremony on Thursday (November 26).
Peterloo Eleven
Finding the Peterloo Eleven recreated the only known surviving photograph of a group of the 1819 Peterloo massacre survivors with their living ancestors, capturing public interest to coincide with the 200th anniversary of this landmark event in the pursuit of democracy in Britain.
Dr Hulme, Lecturer in the Manchester Centre for Public History and Heritage (MCPHH), part of the History Research Centre, pursued this unique opportunity after she was sent the photograph.
After months of genealogical research of census, parish and electoral records, using innovative family history methodologies to reverse trace their modern-day descendants, Dr Hulme tracked down living family of all-but-one of those in the photograph, and recreated the image for ITV Granada Reports.
She said: “As the THE Awards draw nearer, I realise how much of an honour it is to have been shortlisted alongside other fascinating research projects. Not only for me personally, but also for the MCPHH and the University, who supported this project from its infancy.
"This project was important because it not only shone a light on the horrific events of 16 August 1819, but it also gave ordinary people a link to their extraordinary ancestors. I never expected the Peterloo Eleven project to capture the public imagination as it has.
"It will undoubtedly be a unique experience being part of a virtual ceremony, but I’m very much looking forward to meeting the other nominees and enjoying the evening."
Professor Sharon Handley, Pro Vice-Chancellor of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, added: “I am delighted that Michala’s innovative approach to bringing the ‘Peterloo Eleven’ story to life through engagement with the people of Manchester has been recognised by the THE Awards.
“It is a perfect example of what we set out to achieve in the Faculty of Arts and Humanities: high quality research with real world impact. Co-production of research with communities is a significant strength and helps to foster a sense of place, and relevance to the communities we serve. Our Manchester Centre for Public History and Heritage has a proud tradition of helping people in the North West make sense of their own histories through high-quality research and public engagement. The Peterloo Eleven story is a superb example of this. ”
6GMS
The £12m refurbishment of 6GMS was the first major project in the Estates Strategy, a ten-year framework of major investment priorities for the University.
The new building houses 600 Professional Services staff, increasing flexibility and enhancing collaborative working, freeing up space on the main campus to grow and to enhance student support services. Staff normally based in the building have been working remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mike Sheppard, Director of Estates and Capital Development, said: “Manchester Metropolitan is committed to creating a truly world-class campus in the heart of Manchester through its Estates Masterplan. I am pleased to see this recognised in our high-quality refurbishment of 6 Great Marlborough Street, which has sensitively restored the building while enhancing its historic character and heritage.
“6GMS offers our Professional Services staff all the benefits of co-location, meaning better communication, more collaborative working and a modern, comfortable working environment. It has also enhanced the student experience, by providing more space for three new Student Hubs to offer valuable support on campus.”
THE Awards
These are the 16th annual THE Awards and the first to take place virtually. The awards cover 20 categories, covering the full range of university activity.
John Gill, Editor of THE, said: “This has been a year like no other, and universities have faced unprecedented challenges as a result of the pandemic.
“While we are by no means through the crisis, the response over the last six months has been immensely impressive, and served yet again as a reminder of the dedication and commitment that exists across UK higher education.”
