Caroline Hall
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lilaclillian.bsky.social
Caroline Hall
@lilaclillian.bsky.social
380 followers 840 following 99 posts
Museums, archives & evidence-based learning. Drawn to the flicker of old images, the glow of forgotten stages and stories waiting to live again.
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Three venues. Three legendary shows. Blackpool, 1949.

✨Water Follies with Tarzan - Johnny Weissmuller
✨Coconut Grove with Jewel & Warriss, and teenage Julie Andrews
✨The Orchid Room with rising Frankie Howerd

Blackpool fun at its glittering best

#Variety #JohnnyWeissmuller #FrankieHowerd
Blue and orange cover for Water Follies with photo of Johnny Weissmuller from his role as Tarzan. Orange and blue back cover for Coconut Grove with photo of Jewel & Warriss. Pink and white cover for the Orchid Room on Central pier with three headshots of Frankie Howerd with three different expressions.
September 18, 2025 at 7:14 PM
lilaclillian.bsky.social
What is it about autumn & winter that draws us to mystery? This 1893 Blackpool programme feels perfect for the season: hand-painted scenery, limelight effects, and the title ‘A Detective’. Proof that the thrill of suspense never goes out of style.

#VictorianStage #BlackpoolHistory #FromTheArchives.
Page from an 1893 programme for the play ‘The Detective’ A page from an 1893 programme at the Blackpool Winter Gardens for the play ‘The Detective’ with the acts listed incl. The Trap and The Sham Nurse.
September 14, 2025 at 6:47 PM
lilaclillian.bsky.social
Flip it over 👀 . This 1942 Blackpool Palace poster for Dorchester Follies hides another performer’s face on the back.

I love the little discoveries you make when researching in collections. I know it’s about paper rationing but I want to know who this was!
Maurice Winnick Productions present Dorchester Follies Sepia print of an unknown male face in a hat
August 17, 2025 at 8:47 PM
lilaclillian.bsky.social
This image was in a folder titled unknown female performers in our Cyril Critchlow Collection. The words in the background make me think this could be Coney Island?
#Blackpool #Collections #ConeyIsland
Woman in tights, shorts, tunic, cloak and feathered hat facing away from the camera. A carousel is in the background.
April 30, 2025 at 3:16 PM
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Five years of closure, three collection moves, one new museum and and six months of recant and we are there. Time to celebrate with my amazing team.
April 25, 2025 at 4:53 PM
lilaclillian.bsky.social
A startling item from the #Cairoli collection highlighting the history of performance. We used this in the recent press campaign for the relaunch of the #Showtown history centre. I still find the French royal court association fascinating. I’ve put the google translation in the alt text.
By permission of Mr. Lamman Two twin brothers and two twin sisters Unique spectacle due to their perfect resemblance Two twin brothers and two twin sisters have just arrived, who have never appeared in this city; they are so like-minded and of such a similar size, especially the women. These four people sing pleasantly in German and French; they have exactly the same voice. The two twin brothers felt such a strong sympathy for each other that they married their twin sisters on October 7, 1773, in the parish church of St. Peter the Old, in Strasbourg. These four twins present two marriages, and a spectacle so curious and so extraordinary, that such a natural history has never appeared in the world. They had the honor of being presented to His Majesty, on October 1 last, in his apartment, by the Duke of Villequier, First Gentleman of the Bedchamber; and to the Queen, by the Countess of Noailles, First Lady-in-Waiting; and to the entire Royal family, whose admiration they have earned, and have deserved the applause of all the Princes, Princesses, and Lords of the Court. On February 19, 1775, Count de Burgaw, brother of the Queen, honored them with his presence and was very pleased. On July 30, they were presented to HRH Prince Charles, Duke of Lorraine, etc., at his Castle of Tervuren. These four twins will go to the houses where they are requested, giving them one hour's notice. They may be seen from 9:00 a.m. until noon where they are staying, and from noon until 5:00 p.m. in town, and then from 5:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. at the lodge. Two steps will be taken for the first seats, one for the second, and a plaquette for the third. People of distinction will give according to their generosity. They are accommodated at the Tete d'Or, on the square.
April 25, 2025 at 3:33 PM
lilaclillian.bsky.social
Well, this is it. The Showtown History Centre reopens Friday 25th April. I’m breathing a huge sigh of relief and happiness that we made it. I’m so grateful to all who have supported the process of safeguarding Blackpool’s collection and I can’t wait to see people using them again.
Tower Palace Grand combined programme and journal
April 16, 2025 at 10:28 AM
lilaclillian.bsky.social
We’re on the last few weeks now until we reopen the Showtown History Centre after 5 years of closure. We’re working on the books in our study collection. This little gem from #WorldWar1 is brilliant. Published in #Blackpool in 1918 by the R.A.M.C.
Illustrated cover of book featuring a man in the Royal Army Medical Corps, an image of Blackpool Promenade and the title ‘Spud Wilkins at Blackpool’ by Sergio H. V. Verrells.
April 7, 2025 at 7:25 PM
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Bit of break while planning the launch of the history centre. Good news - all of Blackpool’s collections are unpacked and on shelves. This little gem from 1900 shows the Kauffman Troupe of Trick Cyclists from the Pavilion Winter Gardens. Fabulous!
#collections #victorian
Three b&w images of seven people on a bike, a lady on a bike in Victorian clothing and a portrait of a man with a moustache and a tunic covered in medals. Cover of a guide to Blackpool with gold print and illuminated title in red and blue at the top of the page reading Programme of entertainments, railway and tram guide.
February 28, 2025 at 3:47 PM
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Gorgeous drawing of the Empire Theatre of Varieties from when it was auctioned in 1900. It’s lovely to see this because it went through so many face lifts and renames until it became the Syndicate Nightclub. #collections #Blackpool #Theatres #musichall
Engraving of the Empure Theatre, an ornate Victorian building, looking down Church Street with figures in Victorian dress passing in front.
January 31, 2025 at 7:26 PM
lilaclillian.bsky.social
I love this. Image of the site of #Blackpool Illuminated advertisement in the Place de Brouckère in Brussels Belgium. I’ve never seen an image of the sign in place but I would love to. There were no limits to the ambition.
#collection #illuminations #brussels
Box containing unbound page from album with an early 20th image of a square in Brussels and underneath a street map of the location of the square. Hand written text reading ‘site of corporations illuminated advertisement in Brussels.
January 29, 2025 at 7:34 PM
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For years dad told me Blackpool Tower was built on cotton bales which his grandma told him. Finally I have seen evidence this story was not true. Not told my dad because his childhood memory of his grandma is precious. This is a schedule of works for the building of #Blackpool Tower.
#collections
Typed page describing the foundation works for Blackpool tower.
January 28, 2025 at 5:07 PM
lilaclillian.bsky.social
Advertising from Blackpool was always fun and specifically designed to its placement location. The language and the designs changed over the years but not the #Blackpool optimism. This one is for Stratford on Avon people, as if you couldn’t guess. 😂
#Collections #Shakespeare
Flyer reading: “To B. Or not to B.? That is the question.” There can only be one answer when “B” stands for Blackpool. Its breezes cure the ills that Flesh is Heir to, and its pleasures make a Visit a Consummation devoutly to be wished. No gloomy Hamlet but the liveliest of pleasure cities.
January 22, 2025 at 4:49 PM
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Not from unpacking but from a kind donation. 100s of images from #Blackpool councils engineering department in the 1950s and 1960s that got forgotten then rescued. This small wallet contains images of traffic congestion and I can’t wait for them to be properly digitised.
#collections #photography
January 17, 2025 at 4:25 PM
lilaclillian.bsky.social
Plenty of people around me loved these collections when we unpacked but as someone who struggles to bake a cookie they just looked like stress to me. Still thought I would share as Burton’s was so famous in Blackpool. #collections #blackpool #baking
Front page of icing book with photograph of large pink iced tower cake. Front page with the text: North Edition Cake Making Icing and Breads by George F Burton (gold medalist) Index page on notebook of baking and icing conference 1932
January 13, 2025 at 5:57 PM
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The glazing on this frame didn’t make it but it’s a lovely dedicated signed engraving of Teresa Carreño. I’m guessing this means the Venezuelan pianist performed in #Blackpool though I haven’t had a chance to check yet and I haven’t had time translate either. So much to do!
#Collections #piano
Close up of engraving of woman in long black late Victorian dress in cracked frame.
January 10, 2025 at 5:22 PM
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The Tower Company commissioned beautiful paintings by various artists over the years for advertising. It’s been great to unwrap some of the original works this week. This is a large painting of the Palace Picture Pavilion where they exhibited films.
#Blackpool #Collections #cinema
Framed painting of a theatre auditorium looking down to the stage and band pit from the balcony. The seats are filled with people in 1920s fashions.
January 9, 2025 at 1:42 PM
lilaclillian.bsky.social
Hmmm 🤔, not quite sure why this is in the Tower Company Collection. It predates any major entertainment company in #Blackpool. However, amazing to have something from Astley’s. Think the date is 1828?
#collections #circus
Type script performance handbill for the siege of Missolonghi.
January 8, 2025 at 2:36 PM
lilaclillian.bsky.social
The Tower Children’s ballet keeps being raised as an important story that bridges the local/tourist dynamic of #Blackpool. Looking at this poster today I saw the quality of poster design and the investment the Tower Company put into it. Definitely a history to investigate.
#Collections
Poster in frame leaning in block. Poster depicts fairy ballet dancer against a blue sky and the Blackpool Tower as a castle.
January 7, 2025 at 5:37 PM
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Spent a great morning at Blackpool Tower with photographer Jonathan Lynch taking shots of the Charlie Cairoli Whiteface clown costumes. Not conserved yet and with no stand we improvised for the existing mannequin mounts using a Christmas tree stand!
#Blackpool #circus #collections
A polka dot sequin clown costume against a photographers backdrop surrounded by studio lights.
January 6, 2025 at 9:01 PM
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Flicking through an autograph book we just unpacked and found this artistic entry by Frank Randall. The time and care - joy.
#Blackpool #Collections #Variety
Notebook open with page showing signature “Cheers Frank Randall” and a line drawing of an old face wearing spectacles and a red nose.
January 6, 2025 at 3:04 PM
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Before Christmas I was flicking through a notebook in the collection from 1870s. It contained this edited version of Garrick’s Advice to Married Ladies. It felt quite pointed that someone wrote this in a young ladies book. Wish I knew more. Transcript in alt text.
#Blackpool #Collections
Notebook with handwritten verse: Ye fair married damsels, Who so often deplore That a lover once blest Is a lover no more; Attend to my council Nor blush to be taught That Prudence must cherish What Beauty has caught; Use the man that you wed, Like your favourite guitar. Though music’s in both They are both apt to jar; How tuneful and soft From a delicate touch; Not haudled too roughly Nor played on too much.
January 4, 2025 at 12:29 PM
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More posters today. Tessie O’Shea and Nat Jackley on the 1950 poster for Out of this world, the big season show at #Blackpool Opera House. I get so excited about the lovely poster design and illustration on some of these items.
#collections #Variety
Illustration of Tessie O’Shea with blind hair and a red dress hanging from a parachute. Illustration of Nat Jackley in a checked suit holding a parachute.
January 3, 2025 at 12:58 PM
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As it’s the year of the snake coming up and I’m a snake i think is was primed to focus on this photo immediately. Arimund Banu the snake charmer in #Blackpool 1934. The bra has been added for decency as she performed in the nude. Love her!
#collections #yearofthesnake
Pile of b&w images of women performers. The top image is of a woman skimpily wrapped in a scarf and with a large snake draped over her shoulders.
January 2, 2025 at 11:55 AM
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Start of first work day of 2025
January 2, 2025 at 9:24 AM