MS 674
Reference code
MS 674
Title
Festival of Britain papers
Level
Sub-fonds
Administrative / Biographical history
The Festival of Britain was a national exhibition, held in the summer of 1951.
The idea was championed by Labour cabinet member Herbert Morrison in 1947, who proposed an exhibition to celebrate the centennial of the Great Exhibition of 1851. In contrast to the 1851 exhibition however, the Festival of Britain focused on Britain's achievements, promoting science, technology, industrial design, architecture and the arts.
The focus of the exhibition was on the South Bank, with associated events in London and across Britain, as well as a touring exhibition by land and sea. It attracted millions of visitors across the country. It helped to give People the hope of recovery and progress in the aftermath of the devastation of the First World War.
The idea was championed by Labour cabinet member Herbert Morrison in 1947, who proposed an exhibition to celebrate the centennial of the Great Exhibition of 1851. In contrast to the 1851 exhibition however, the Festival of Britain focused on Britain's achievements, promoting science, technology, industrial design, architecture and the arts.
The focus of the exhibition was on the South Bank, with associated events in London and across Britain, as well as a touring exhibition by land and sea. It attracted millions of visitors across the country. It helped to give People the hope of recovery and progress in the aftermath of the devastation of the First World War.
Date
1951-1976
Extent & medium
6 boxes and some loose items
Content description
The papers contain predominantly secondary material, including promotional material, newspapers cuttings, postcards and photographs, objects and memorabilia and related publications.
Arrangement
The papers are arranged into the following series, according to the nature of the material:
01: Promotional material including, information leaflets and printed ephemera
02: Newspaper cuttings and related periodicals
03: Postcards and photographs
04: Objects and memorabilia
05: Official and related publications
01: Promotional material including, information leaflets and printed ephemera
02: Newspaper cuttings and related periodicals
03: Postcards and photographs
04: Objects and memorabilia
05: Official and related publications
Associated material
The archive of the Festival of Britain is held by the Victoria and Albert Museum
Location of this record in the archive hierarchy
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Number 47 of 104 at this Level
Beneath this record in the archive hierarchy
- Festival of Britain: Promotional material including information leaflets and printed ephemera, MS 674 01, (1951)
- Festival of Britain: Newspaper cuttings and related periodicals, MS 674 02, (1951)
- Festival of Britain: Postcards and photographs, MS 674 03, (1951)
- Festival of Britain: Objects and memorabilia, MS 674 04, (1951)
- Festival of Britain: Official and related publications, MS 674 05, (1951-1976)