Talk: Fun Palaces: the history and architecture of the entertainment industry Mike Higginbottom

Step into a world where clever design, ingenuity, and artistry brought luxury and comfort to all. Fun Palaces explores the fascinating architecture of pubs, hotels, spas, theatres, cinemas, and seaside buildings—spaces where architects and designers used innovative materials, inspired design, and masterful craftsmanship to transport everyday visitors into extraordinary surroundings.

Join renowned historian Mike Higginbottom as he delves into how the entertainment buildings of the 19th and 20th centuries offered the public moments of delight, glamour, and freedom, all at modest cost. This lecture is packed with insight, charm, and stories of the unlikely but successful marriage of commerce and art.

Mike Higginbottom has lectured in social and architectural history at Nottingham, Birmingham, and Keele Universities, and has been a trusted guide and speaker for societies including the Arts Society (formerly NADFAS) and the Matlock Travel Society.

Whether you’re an architecture enthusiast, history buff, or simply curious about the magic behind these remarkable buildings, this event promises an engaging and enjoyable experience.

You may also like the following events from Buxton Crescent Heritage Trust:

• This Thursday, 4th December, 04:00 pm, Through the Shop Window - Live Piano and Dancing Paper Dolls in Buxton
• This Friday, 5th December, 04:00 pm, Through the Shop Window - A Shop Full of Stories with Alice Hargreaves in Buxton
• This Saturday, 6th December, 10:00 am, The Wishmakers of Buxton - A Magical Family Experience in Buxton

Also check out other Arts events in Buxton.