Deckchairs, Piers and Souvenirs

Deckchairs, Piers and Souvenirs: A Celebration of British Seaside History

Dr Kathryn Ferry, critically acclaimed author and historian, will deliver an exclusive talk on 28th April to complement Bailiffgate’s big summer exhibition of 2022. Kathryn, a regular contributor on film and radio, will lead guests through three centuries of seaside history. Pull up a deckchair, grab your glass of wine and join her at St James’ URC in Pottergate, Alnwick at 7pm for an exploration of the distinctive landscapes of our coastal resorts including those in Northumberland.

Kathryn has had a passion for the British seaside, its history, culture and architecture, since the 1990s and has written and broadcast extensively about it. Kathryn said ‘we have an amazingly rich seaside heritage which should be properly celebrated not least because the British invented the idea of the ‘seaside’ as a leisure destination. Until the era of foreign package deals and cheap flights, the seaside was THE place for Britons to go on holiday. A tradition that has been rediscovered by many over the last two years.’

Kathryn’s latest book features 100 favourite holiday objects encompassing promenade shelters, sandcastles, beach huts, paddle steamers, fashion, sticks of rock and ice cream cones. Kathryn will talk about how the layering of all these different elements has created the unique British Seaside.

Jean Humphrys, Chair of Trustees said ‘we’re very excited to have been able to book Dr Ferry. Her research provides a fantastic complement to our ‘Beside the Seaside’ summer exhibition. Being transported back over 300 years of the many ways the British have made the seaside such a strong part of their leisure will, I’m sure, evoke lots of childhood memories of holidays and coastal life ‘.

Discounts available for Friends of Bailiffgate and members of the Northumberland & Durham Family History Society. Dr Ferry will be happy to answer questions and sign books on the evening. Booking advised.

Thursday 28th April 7pm St James’ URC, Pottergate, Alnwick NE66 1JW.

Entrance £8 INCLUDES WINE AND NIBBLES (£6 to Friends of Bailiffgate and NDFHS members). Doors open 6.30pm. Booking advised. https://bailiffgatemuseum.co.uk/