Wake Up and Dream: Exploring the Archive of Oliver Messel

Delivered by Gemma Brace, Exhibition and Engagement Officer, University of Bristol Theatre Collection

NB Booking is only necessary if you wish to tell us about particular needs, eg accessibility concerns. There is an opportunity to do this at the checkout.

Curator Gemma Brace will be introducing audiences to the magical world of one of the twentieth century’s most applauded theatre designers Oliver Messel (1904-1978). The talk will draw on the Collection’s recently catalogued Oliver Messel Personal Archive with a journey though Messel’s dazzling personal life as one of London’s ‘Bright Young Things’ as well as exploring lesser known stories such as his social campaigning. Covering his fascinating career which encompassed theatre, ballet, opera and film, as well as portraiture, interior design and architecture, we will be exploring how objects can be used to bring stories to life through an artist whose Archive encourages us to both look back and reflect and to ‘wake up and dream’.

Find out more about the University of Bristol Theatre Collection

Image credit: Photograph of Oliver Messel by James De Vries.