Marvels & Mayhem is an exciting project funded by Esmée Fairbairn Collections Fund, delivered by the Museums Association which aims to enhance our understanding and knowledge of the Blackpool Tower Circus Collection.
Preserving and cataloguing
With the support of our amazing volunteers the project has so far cleaned and rehoused over 1700 photographs of the Tower Circus. This has already improved access for researchers and enquirers.
A huge amount of research has gone in to listing and cataloguing these photographs which has continued during the Covid period.
Schools' activity
School assemblies to inspire and engage all pupils on circus and the collection have been delivered which was followed up with creative-writing and craft workshops to develop literacy, confidence, and creativity in the classroom.
Following on from this activity the project celebrated activity at the Wordpool Family Day in the park celebration where the children’s work was displayed.
Circus community
The circus community are an essential partner in the project as only members of that community have the knowledge and experiences behind the photographs.
We have worked with people from this community throughout the project, and they have been incredibly kind. We have run workshops, investigating the collections and improved our knowledge and understanding. They have supported producing digital stories or delivered talks sharing their knowledge wider.
Little People
The final part of the project will look at the role of Little People in the Circus. For this we have partnered with the charity LittlePeople.org.uk