Journey back in time on The Real Onedin Line

Published: 18 July 2023

People are being invited to help revive the spirit of The Onedin Line at Exeter Quay this summer.

Fans of the The Onedin Line are being encouraged to share their memories and mementoes of the 1970s BBC drama, which was filmed in Exeter.

The Real Onedin Line is a unique project that aims to gather community researchers and film makers and revitalise scenes from the popular drama.

Art Work Exeter’s community research and film redux project will explore the rich industrial and social history of Exeter Quay. The project is backed by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and will take place at Exeter Custom House.

The Onedin Line used Exeter Quay as its backdrop. Despite being a tale of 1860s international shipping in Liverpool, the Quay, the Prospect Inn, and Colleton Crescent featured prominently. This ignited a collective cultural memory still vibrant today.

Community researchers will be led by historian and filmmaker Bea Moyes. They'll delve into the Quayside's heritage from the 1850s through the 1970s. The outcome? An exhibition at Exeter Custom House during Heritage Open Days from 8 to 17 September.

Anyone interested in taking part should email realonedinline@gmail.com. The project's time commitment is flexible and dependent on people’s availability and interest. Training, research visits, and online support are part of the package.

Those who have memories or mementos of The Onedin Line or stories about Exeter Quay from the 1970s and 80s can share them with organisers by emailing realonedinline@gmail.com.

A special feature is scheduled from 8 to 11 September. Artist Richard DeDomenici will recreate scenes from 'The Onedin Line'. People can join him as a performer by emailing their name, height, and photo to realonedinline@gmail.com.

Ready to journey back in time? The Real Onedin Line awaits!

Visit www.artworkexeter.org.uk/projects/the-real-onedin-line/ to find out more.