As well as being the Director of a creative history Community Interest Company, I regularly worship at a football ground where fans sing the words ‘If you know your history‘. I am drawn to the topic despite, or perhaps because of, being barred from studying it at school after a disagreement about socio-political history with a rather precious teacher at the age of 13 (me, not him). It turned out better for me.

My interest in history is not born of nostalgia, but from learning. I want to know the hows and the whys, usually from ordinary people who were there at the time. I am often involved in projects that combine social history with the arts to celebrate moments in time and the creativity around them.

I like how it can help shape the future without being stuck in the past. You can enable others to enjoy nostalgia without wallowing in it.

My interest in histories also extends to my work with businesses, charities and non-profits, acting as a kind of corporate historian, archive digger and social historian to inspire future endeavours. I have helped brands to look at their past products, founding story or heritage to create new products, new ranges or inspire new ones.

Often, these delves in to the past are a fantastic way to revive a brand, dig up media-ready stories and give a new lease of life to a business. They can mark an anniversary, presage a new era or simply establish or re-establish a brand or business as an important part of its market, locale or community. You can’t become a heritage brand without first exploring, establishing and publishing that heritage in some way.

Many writers keep old notebooks, knowing that many of their ideas are not ready now, or way too far ahead of their time. They may also contain great things we have done and forgotten. In constantly moving forward we can forget our own work heritage and history. It really helps to look over our shoulder from time to time.

The same is true for brands, organisations and businesses.

Histories can take any form and dig into culture, design, geographies, staff or process. The value of exploring them cannot be underestimated. To move forward you often have to take one step back.

Contact me if you would like to discuss how digging into your history could work for your business, charity or brand. iain@thisidea.co.uk

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