Society for Theatre Research Annual Lecture Series 2019-2020

Wake Up and Dream: Exploring the Archive of Oliver Messel

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

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’.