Britain's What's On Event Guide
From Airey Home Dreams to Eviction Nightmares: The Oulton Coal Estate Story
Heritage Open Day: In 1953, the Coal Board built 210 prefab Airey houses in Oulton. They were loved by tenants, but design flaws and landlord neglect led to eviction and demolition. Jessica Field explores prefab promises and pitfalls and 70 years of life on the estate. Join historian Dr Jessica Field for a talk about the architecture and social history of Oulton's National Coal Board housing estate – a prefab Airey neighbourhood made famous by a recent campaign to prevent demolition and tenant eviction.
Airey houses were 'permanent' prefabricated homes named after their creator, renowned Leeds industrialist Sir Edwin Airey (1878-1955). A pair could be erected by unskilled workers in under two weeks – capturing public imagination during a post-war housing crisis.
Airey houses were 'permanent' prefabricated homes named after their creator, renowned Leeds industrialist Sir Edwin Airey (1878-1955). A pair could be erected by unskilled workers in under two weeks – capturing public imagination during a post-war housing crisis.
Sunday 21 September
Oulton Institute, 5 Quarry Hill, Oulton, Leeds, West Yorkshire LS26 8SX
Sun 21 Sep:1800-1930 (45 minute talk + Q&A); Free Entry.
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