Devon Development
Telling our Stories Project
The Company
Devon Development Education works with schools and communities, aiming to help children and people of all ages understand the big issues in the world and their involvement in them; make links with the ‘global village’ within and outside Devon; and work together for a more just and sustainable world.
Telling Our Stories, Finding Our Roots is a community heritage and oral history project focused on diverse and multicultural histories. It explores the stories, memories and hidden histories of Devon’s towns and cities – past and present.
The Project
The project seeks to explore and celebrate the rich, diverse, and multicultural histories of Devon’s towns and cities, both past and present. Its goal is to help local communities and schools understand their connections to global cultures and the significance of these histories in shaping today’s society.
The Result
I was responsible for creating all the design elements for this project, which included exhibition display panels and banners, hand guide booklets, and classroom learning resource packs.
Large-format designs were created for exhibitions in art galleries and museums across Devon, showcasing hidden histories and stories of diversity and multiculturalism. These displays were visually engaging, utilizing a mix of vibrant colors, compelling imagery, and clear typographic hierarchy to draw in visitors and communicate the project’s core themes.
I designed guide booklets for towns such as Okehampton, Tiverton, and Bideford, helping readers discover hidden stories of global connections and cultural diversity in their local areas. These booklets provided an accessible way for the public to engage with the history, through clear layouts and infographics that made complex historical narratives easier to follow.
For schools, I created classroom learning resource packs aimed at both Primary and Secondary levels across Devon. These resources were designed to encourage students to explore the multicultural heritage of their communities. The packs included interactive and educational content, using illustrations, maps, and activities to foster engagement and learning about Devon’s Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities.
The design work was guided by the principles of accessibility and clarity, ensuring that the materials were engaging for all age groups while maintaining a professional and informative aesthetic. The project had a meaningful impact on both the community and educational sectors, reinforcing the value of preserving and celebrating diverse histories.
