Description: This book tells the fascinating story of Bluecoat's transformation from 18th century charity school to Britain's first arts centre a century ago. Hosting music, visual art, performance and literature, it is described as where 'village hall meets the avant-garde', a unique venue at the heart of Liverpool's cultural life.
Brief description: Bryan Biggs has worked at Bluecoat, Liverpool's contemporary arts centre, for over four decades, curating numerous exhibitions, and live art programmes. In 2017 he directed Bluecoat's tercentenary year. He writes on contemporary culture and is co-editor, with Julie Sheldon of Art in a City Revisited (Liverpool University Press, 2009) and, with John Belchem, of Liverpool City of Radicals (Liverpool University Press, 2011).
Review Quotes:
'Bluecoat is in large measure a celebratory volume, designed to draw attention to the many achievements of the institution and concluding with a heartfelt plea for further support in difficult times.'
William Whyte, Northern History