where we've been
The Generator: Stories & Memories
The Generator: Stories & Memories An oral history project supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund
Stories & Memories project captures the voices, recollections and experiences of those who studied, worked and created in the historic Packe Street building over the decades. Through these personal stories, we are preserving the building’s rich creative legacy while sharing it with new generations as The Generator begins its next chapter as a vibrant community arts venue. With thanks to Institute Loughborough for their continued generous support and for providing the filming location. Click on any picture below to read or watch the full interview
019 Katie Plumpton
Against All Advice: Katie Plumpton on Choosing a BTEC Over A-levels at Frederick Street
Katie Plumpton studied a BTEC at Frederick Street from 2000 to 2002, against the advice of teachers and worried parents who wanted her to stick with A-levels. She went on to specialise in fashion and textiles under Yanina Temple, study textiles at Loughborough University, spend a placement year weaving silk in India, and eventually design menswear shirts in London.
Interview date: 06.12.2025
018 Adam Whelband
A Coin Under the Lift Threshold: Adam Whelband on Restoring the Building He Once Studied In
Adam Whelband studied a general art and design BTEC at Frederick Street from 1992 to 1994, in what's now the cafeteria, before a career path that took him through product design, brickwork and eventually construction. Nearly thirty years later, his groundworks firm was subcontracted onto the generator's restoration, and he found himself walking back into the same building he'd once studied in.
Interview date: 06.12.2025
016 Purnima Chadha
The Remover of Obstacles: Purnima Chadha on Elephants, Engineering and a Life of Saying Yes
Purnima Chadha studied an art degree at the generator gallery, trained as an electronics engineer when women were actively encouraged into the industry, and built a lasting friendship with Kevin Ryan along the way, who helped her mount a fiftieth birthday exhibition after years of pushing her past her own doubts. She talks about the elephant symbolism running through her sculpture work, Ganesha as the remover of obstacles, and a life spent refusing to accept no from anyone, including herself.
Interview date: 05.12.2025
008 Tony Thory and Nita Rao
Cranes, clocks and creativity
In the heart of Loughborough stands The Generator – a 1930s Art Deco building that once powered much of Loughborough College. But from 1998 to 2006, it became something even more electrifying: home to Artspace Loughborough, a collective that had a lasting impact on the town's cultural landscape.
Interview date: 20.02.2025
007 David Salsbury
From sculpture student to ceramicist and founding the ceramics market
We spoke with sculptor-turned-ceramicist David Salsbury about his student days at The Generator, midnight laser escapades, and building Loughborough's thriving ceramics community.
Interview date: 20.02.2025
005 Sarah Smith
From Art Foundation to the circus
Sarah Smith's creative journey has taken her from the top floor of the Generator building in Loughborough to the vibrant circus and festival scenes. In this interview, she reflects on her Foundation Art experience in 1994, her subsequent education at Cardiff Art College, and her current roles managing performances at major festivals. Sarah shares how her early art education shaped her thinking and career path, and her vision for what the Generator could become.
interview date: 10.02.2025
004 Jenny Stevenson
From Student to Professional Artist
In this interview, professional artist Jenny shares her formative experiences studying at the Frederick Street art college building from 1995-1997. Now a successful mixed media artist, Jenny reflects on how those early educational experiences at what is now becoming the Generator arts centre shaped her artistic journey.
Interview Date: 10.02.2025