2nd August 2001

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A collection of over 1,500 photographs recapturing life in the old Cathedral Quarter of Belfast since the 1800’s are to be exhibited at the University of Ulster this weekend.

The UU’s Belfast campus is set to host the exhibition in conjunction with the Little Italy and Half Bap Community Association.

The weekend-long event hopes to portray life in the days when Little Italy, as it was formerly known, was a thriving hub of activity and trade.

At a time when the Cathedral Quarter is seeing new development and investment, the Little Italy group hopes to remind people of the heritage, culture and lineage rooted in the area.

Over a year’s work has gone into preparation for the event and hundreds of photographs have been gathered together, all focusing on different aspects of life and individuals throughout the years.

Cecil Sloan, committee member of the Little Italy and Half Bap Association said:

“We want to make people aware of the old districts that were here long before the re-development of this area.

“Little Italy and the Half Bap used to be a busy and thriving community at one time. Now that we are witnessing a revival of the Cathedral Quarter we want to show the younger generation what life here used to be like.

“The exhibition will also be a great opportunity for people who lived in Little Italy and the Half Bap to come and see a few familiar faces.”

The exhibition kicks off on Saturday August 4th at twelve noon and will be opened by the Dean of St Anne’s and the Dean of St Patrick’s. Twenty white doves will be released as a symbol of peace.

For further information, please contact:

Press Office Department of Communication and Development
Telephone: 028 9036 6178
Email: pressoffice@ulster.ac.uk