Curated as part of a Wessex Film and Sound Archive (WFSA)
In the 1950s, Andover was approached to become an ‘overspill’ town for London. Whether apparent or not at the time, this decision to accept the agreement would radically change the look and feel of Andover forever.
A new exhibition at Andover Museum entitled Andover: An Overspill Story, shines a light on the lives of those who left London for Andover in search of a better life as part of the ‘overspill’. It features stories at the heart of this emotive time in the town’s history as well as audio clips from residents who describe their experiences in their own words.
This exhibition has been curated as part of a Wessex Film and Sound Archive (WFSA) project that was created with the support of the British Film Institute (BFI) awarding funds from the National Lottery to help develop WFSA collections. It would also not have been possible without the financial support of Andover History and Archaeology Society (AHAS), Hampshire Archives Trust (HAT), and Test Valley Arts Foundation (TVAF).
Andover: An Overspill Story is on display in Andover Museum from Friday 14 March to Sunday 27 April 2025. No booking required.
Andover: elevated view of houses and gardens, image © London Metropolitan Archives (City of London)
