Inland Voyage reveals the remarkable photographic archive of Coventry factory worker, Robert Longden. During the late 1940s and early 1950s he documented an intimate history of a working life now long gone. 

The photographs record the narrow boat people he encountered on the waterways, including at Coventry's power station and at Sutton Stop canal junction near Hawkesbury. They catch forever the moment of transformation which saw canals change from being industrial thoroughfares to locations for leisure.

Longden's archive has been especially digitally restored and printed for this exhibition. Suitable for all ages, all children must be accompanied by an adult. 

EXHIBITION EXTRAS

Last Saturdays: On the Towpath FREE
Saturday 31 July, 10:30am – 1:00pm                             Join some of the best Canal artists on a family fun filled session at the Herbert. Take part in our exciting Buckby Can make-and-take activity or enjoy watching one of our many demonstrations with some inspiring work from the traditional crafts people. Displays will include rope making, sign writing and traditional painting. This is a drop-in event. No need to book but at busy times you may be asked wait. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Rose and Castle Painting Masterclass
Wednesday 14 July, 10:00am – 4:30pm                  A Painting Masterclass Day with Dave Moore, which takes you through the stages of traditional canal painting in the style of Rose and Castle. Working mainly on practice boards, your day will finish with a part completed board that can be decorated and taken away as a memento. £10 inc lunch (please advise on dietary requirements when booking) Booking is essential (limited to ten people).  Please call 024 7683 2386 or email jessica.pinson@theherbert.org.

Canal Adventure FREE
Wednesday 4 August
10:30am – 11:30am & 1:00pm – 2:00pm                  Teaming up with the popular City Healthy Walks we invite you to soak up the summer sun and take a leisurely stroll along the canal. Led by Canal Ranger Roland Mackie he shares knowledge about the history of the canals, life today and the stunning wildlife that has made the canals their home. This is a off-site walk. Please meet at Coventry Canal Basin, St Nicholas Street, CV1 4LY.

Herbert Illuminations:
Stephen Pochin Artist Talk FREE
Tuesday 17 August, 12:30pm – 1:30pm
Stephen Pochin, great grandson of Robert Longden, will share his knowledge of his great grandfather's canal photographs. An Inland Voyage features some of Longden's best work which Stephen was inspired to curate. As a practising artist and photographer himself, Stephen will unravel his passions and interests in a talk where he shares his enthusiasm about his work and the fortuitous reencounter with his ancestor's images.

Photographs for this exhibition are also in A Canal People, published by The History Press.