Blackpool Treasure Trove Pop Up Museums

Over the last few months we have worked with a couple of groups of youngsters to create Pop Up Museums celebrating Blackpool entertainment from 1950’s to present day. We collaborated with two groups of 11-17 years olds, one the Oracle, the other TramShed and created the museums entirely from their ideas.

Oracle wanted a cluttered and eclectic museum made up of card models and dioramas celebrating the Golden Mile, displayed on a large table. Lights, the wurlitzer playing and smells including popcorn, sea and candy floss were also incorporated.

TramShed envisaged backstage dressing room with dressing table, Hollywood mirror and coat stand. They wanted the set to be inclusive and multi sensory so that everyone could experience it. Members of the public would be able to touch objects such as wigs, microphones, curtain tassels in the drawers, smell grease paint, try on wigs and jackets and are invited to take selfies in mirror. They performed sketches based on comedians who performed in Blackpool including Charlie Cairoli, Ken Dodd, Tom Baker, Cannon and Ball and the Beatles, which was shown in a short film.

A total of four museums, made by young people in Blackpool were launched on the 18th August 2014 at Blackpool Central Library and will be going on tour around Blackpool.

The Oracle, Blackpool

Circus diorama

Big Wheel

Comedy Carpet made up of Blackpool paraphenalia

Robot Revels 1975

Glimobile 1988

Blackpool Tram

Dr Who 2007

Alien Attack 1998

Iconic Rocket Tram operated from 1961

One of TramShed’s sketchs based on comedians that worked and performed in Blackpool

Dressing room set

Oral History played down handset