We are delighted to announce the launch of the Groundwork Archive, a new online home for the stories, memories and experiences of people with a learning disability in Portsmouth.

Over the last two years, This New Ground artists have worked with people across the city to record a collection of oral histories that celebrate lives, achievements, challenges and communities that have too often been overlooked. These powerful stories are now available to listen to online at www.groundworkarchive.com and have been permanently deposited at Portsmouth Central Library History Centre, ensuring they become part of Portsmouth's historical record for generations to come.

The archive represents an important step in preserving and sharing the rich heritage of people with a learning disability in Portsmouth. Through personal memories, reflections and experiences, contributors have helped create a unique collection that offers valuable insight into the city's social history.

This New Ground artist Steven Robinson, who conducted many of the interviews, said:

"I think it's important for people to learn, especially those who may be blind, in a sense, to our world of people with a learning disability. This work we have done is really important. I have enjoyed interviewing people, learning about their lives and making it into history."

The stories featured in the archive have also inspired Inside, an exhibition by This New Ground currently showing at Aspex Portsmouth until 7 June. The exhibition explores themes of home, identity and belonging through the voices and experiences of people with learning disabilities in Portsmouth.

Looking Ahead

The launch of the archive is only the beginning.

In Autumn 2026, we plan to work with Portsmouth Central Library and History Centre to deliver a programme of workshops designed to help more people discover, explore and engage with the archive funded by The National Archive Seed Corn Fund. These sessions will support community groups, families, researchers and members of the public to access the collection and learn more about the stories it contains.

We are also planning a new exhibition at Portsmouth Central Library and History Centre that will shine a spotlight on the Groundwork Archive, showcasing selected stories and celebrating the voices that make this collection so special.

We want the archive to be a living resource that continues to grow in value and relevance for the wider community. By making these stories accessible to more people, we hope to encourage greater understanding, connection and recognition of the contributions that people with learning disabilities have made to Portsmouth's history and culture.

Stay Connected

To be among the first to hear about upcoming workshops, exhibitions, events and new additions to the archive, please sign up to our newsletter.

We'll be sharing regular updates about the Groundwork Archive, opportunities to get involved, and ways you can help us continue preserving and celebrating these important stories.

Visit www.groundworkarchive.com to explore the archive and sign up to the link below to stay informed.