The Unobserved Observer

The Unobserved Observer

Experience 1937 Bolton through Spender's lens & Chadwick's songs, capturing its people, quirks, & journeys in photos, music, & storytelling

Date and time

Location

Bolton Museum, Aquarium and Archive

Le Mans Crescent Bolton BL1 1SE United Kingdom

Refund Policy

No refunds

About this event

Mass Observation - 1937. An eccentric crew of anthropologists set out to infiltrate and document every detail of Bolton life. These songs take you on a tour of the town as seen through the eyes of its plucky band of observers and the lens of Humphrey Spender.


In partnership with Bolton museum and Art Gallery and Live From Worktown

Step into Bolton as it was in 1937, brought to life through the lens of Humphrey Spender and the music of Michael Chadwick/Limbs. As part of the pioneering Mass Observation project, Spender's striking photographs documented the everyday lives, characters, and stories of the town, revealing its spirit and quirks. These photos will be projected, immersing you in the sights of Worktown as the story is brought to life through song and narration. Inspired by the characters and tales captured in Spender’s images, Chadwick’s songs weave musical narratives of Bolton’s people and their journeys. The story even ventures beyond Bolton, following locals on their holiday escapes to Blackpool and encountering the legendary cow with five legs. This unique blend of photography, music, and storytelling paints a vivid picture of life in Bolton during this extraordinary time.

Location: Bolton Museum - Lecture Theatre, Central Library.

www.michaelchadwick.bandcamp.com

www.boltonworktown.co.uk

Organised by

£5Oct 16 · 19:00 GMT+1