An Edge Hill University student has been awarded funding to launch a brand-new historical exhibition at the Atkinson later this year.
Student Michelle Caldwell, who is studying Nineteenth-Century Studies at Edge Hill, will curate the exhibition which will focus on the fascinating stories behind the Victorian celebrities who visited Southport during the 1800’s.
The exhibition, which is cleverly titled “The Southport Visiter”, has been awarded funding by the British Association of Victorian Studies.
Michelle, who lives in Southport, said: “We’ll be celebrating the stories of some of Southport’s most famous faces, as well as highlighting the wider history of the town and its significance in the North West’s Victorian heritage.
“Being a resident of Southport, you feel as though you have a stake in the town. It’s such a lovely place to live and it has beautiful Victorian architecture, and we want this project to revitalise public interest in the town’s rich history.”
Some of the most notable visitors to Southport during the 19th century are Charles Dickens, Elizabeth Gaskell and Oscar Wilde.
Michelle added: “I hope that it will teach people something new about the history of Southport. It’s still considered a relatively new town, as it’s only around 200 years old, but there’s such as rich history that it would be a shame for these stories to be forgotten.”
Stephen Whittle, Principal Manager at The Atkinson, said: “We are really pleased to be working with Edge Hill University on this project. Michelle’s research is already unearthing some fascinating stories and bringing to light some of Southport’s hidden histories.
“Southport was an important tourist destination in the 19th Century, and it attracted a lot of well-known personalities and celebrities. We are looking forward to seeing new insights and different perspectives on Victorian Southport and to continuing our partnership with the University’s staff and students.”
The exhibition is set to be a must-visit for those interested in looking back on Southport’s rich history.
The Southport Visiter is scheduled to launch at The Atkinson’s Discovery Box later this year.
The Welcome Southport 