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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.

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

Associated material

The archive of the Festival of Britain is held by the Victoria and Albert Museum
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