Portraits of Life Exhibition at The Forum, Norwich (Fri 11-Sun 20 September)
Enjoy archive films from the East Anglian Film Archive alongside photographic portraits of Norwich in this exhibition, organised and presented by The Forum Trust. The exhibition, an extended collection of Jack Roberts’ photographs of Norwich after the Second World War, is a FREE drop-in event organised as part of Norfolk Heritage Open Days and open to visitors from Friday 11 September to Sunday 20 September 2026. Visit the exhibition and see how Norwich once looked, hear memories from people who lived and worked there, and enjoy films of the same period from the East Anglian Film Archive (EAFA).
First exhibited during HODs 2019, this wonderful community-history project shines a light on long-gone neighbourhoods, buildings and the everyday stories behind them.
Norwich’s streets changed beyond recognition after the war and the redevelopment of the early 1970s. Rows of terraced houses and narrow shopping streets disappeared – but Jack was there with his camera. A photographer at Coe’s Photography and later at the University of East Anglia (UEA), he captured places and communities that might otherwise have been forgotten before his death in 2005. Now, with the help of Derek James and Bill Smith, Jack’s photographs are back on display.
Related event: Jack Roberts: The Photographer Time Forgot will support the exhibition. Join journalist Derek James and photographer Bill Smith who will share the story behind the photographs. The illustrated talk is free to attend and will take place on Friday 18 September at 11-12 noon in the Auditorium at The Forum, Norwich. Booking is required as seats are limited – BOOK HERE.
Heritage Open Days (HODs) is England’s largest festival of history and culture. All Heritage Open Days events are free to enjoy and in 2026 events will take place between 11-20 September.
Norfolk Heritage Open Days is a collaboration between hundreds of venues, organisers, community partners and volunteers who work to bring the festival to life for thousands of residents and visitors. The Forum Trust funds the coordination and promotion of Norfolk HODs each year as part of its charitable purpose, which makes heritage accessible to the whole community.
Header image: Still from the Jack Roberts’ photographic collection, featuring Brigg Street leading to Haymarket and Gentleman’s Walk in Norwich.