Oliver Messel - Exploring the Twentieth Century focuses on the different ways that the Oliver Messel Personal Archive can be used to explore our social history across the twentieth century, looking at theatre, art and society.
The workshop is open to researchers across disciplines and will include an introduction to the Archive and an opportunity to engage with original objects including photographs, correspondence, press cuttings, costume designs, architectural plans, sketchbooks and autobiographical notes.
Participants will be encouraged to explore interdisciplinary and collaborative research opportunities whilst learning how to access and engage with the Archive in the future. There will also be an opportunity to see the exhibition Wake Up and Dream – Oliver Messel: Theatre, Art and Society, with tea/coffee and cake to close.
Workshops are free to attend and open to all academic researchers including postgraduate students, museum and archive professionals and creative practitioners. Download a PDF factsheet here: Oliver Messel - Exploring the Twentieth Century Workshop PDF (PDF, 195kB).
About Oliver Messel
Oliver Messel (1904-1978) led a fascinating life moving between backstage and high society with ease. Born into wealth he was one of London’s Bright Young Things, later forging friendships with Hollywood stars and royalty, whilst through his professional work his life interweaved with all aspects of society. He is celebrated as one of the twentieth century’s brightest theatrical stars, yet his practice expanded across a variety of artforms. In WW2 his artistic skills were turned to use as a Camouflage Officer stationed in North Somerset and Norwich. In the 1950s he campaigned against the colour bar and as a gay man he was keenly aware of the lack of equality throughout society. In the 1960s he moved to Barbados and from the world of theatre to architecture and interiors. The Archive’s rich tapestry of material provides an intimate insight into a variety of pivotal societal, political and historical points throughout the twentieth century, explored through the life of one man.About the Workshops and How to Book
This workshop is part of our HLF funded Sharing the Messel Magic project which has included the cataloguing and conservation of the Oliver Messel Personal Archive as well as the exhibitions Wake Up and Dream - Oliver Messel: Theatre, Art and Society at the Theatre Collection until April 2019 and Oliver Messel: Theatre and Beyond at the RWA until 13 January 2019.
All workshops are supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund.
