The Lost Diaries of Harry Bow

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This exhibition in our Kennedy Room features the remarkable drawings and stories of Bristol life in the Victorian era by Harry Bow, a deaf artist who lived in the city between 1865 and 1898.

Harry came from a working-class family and lived in central Bristol for most of his life. He wrote and drew sketches in diaries that documented the social, political, sporting, military and cultural events he went to.

He also documented his train journeys and holidays to villages and coastal resorts in the South West. Sadly, many of his diaries are lost but eight are known to have survived.

Harry comes across in his diaries as an adventurous character with a big imagination, who found joy and humour in everyday life. He was a brilliant observer of people and places, and his images and written accounts provide a rare and entertaining insight into the hustle and bustle of Victorian culture.

Presented by Sign Festival Bristol

This exhibition is by Spectroscope www.spectroscope.co.uk a Bristol-based artist collective specialising in installations that reveal hidden histories.

To access the BSL Transcript of the exhibition please visit: www.spectroscope.co.uk/harry-bow

Exhibition Curator: Cathy Mager
Exhibition Design and Build: Rich White
BSL Interpretation: Adam McCormick

Supported by funding from Arts Council National Lottery.

A graphic image made up of different photos of people with a purple and blue colour overlay. Text reads,

Sign Festival Bristol

Fri Oct 18 – Sun Oct 20
Bristol Beacon, External venues

Presented in collaboration with Sign Festival Bristol and Bristol Beacon, Sign Festival is a a unique, accessible, live music event featuring British Sign Language (BSL) performances from local musicians, nationwide deaf BSL performers and performance interpreters on stage.

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The venue

Bridgehouse

at Bristol Beacon

Our foyer space located within Bristol Beacon where we host events, performances and conferences.

Getting to the venue

Location: Bridgehouse is located within Bristol Beacon with entrances on Colston Street and Trenchard Street.

Address: Bristol Beacon, Trenchard Street, Bristol, BS1 5AR

Bicycle

Bicycle racks can be found in front of the main entrance on Trenchard Street, Colston Street, and on the city centre promenade. Find your nearest cycle routes using Cycle Planner.

Car parking

Trenchard Street multi-storey car park is 50m away directly behind Bristol Beacon.

Bristol Clean Air Zone

Bristol Beacon is inside the Bristol Clean Air Zone. Check if your vehicle will be charged and how much you’ll have to pay.

Bus

The city centre bus stop is 250m from Bristol Beacon where most bus services stop.

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Access

Mobility

Bridgehouse has level access from street level with lifts to all levels. For unallocated seated performances, seats can easily be removed to accommodate wheelchairs.

Assistance Dogs

Registered assistance dogs and emotional support animals are allowed in the venue.

Hearing Facility

There is an induction loop at the box office. You can use this by adjusting your hearing aid to the ‘T’ setting. There is no hearing loop facility for the foyer stage.

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