Blue Plaques brought to life online throughout April

April 3, 2020 Bradford Civic Society

Blue Plaques brought to life online throughout April

During the ongoing Coronavirus situation, Bradford Civic Society has been looking for ways to continue promoting the heritage and culture of Bradford while we are unable to explore our city as normal.

With the support of Bradford Council, we will be collating an online archive of Bradford’s blue plaques and sharing some of the stories behind the people and places that have been honoured. Each plaque will be introduced by a different Bradfordian with a personal connection to the plaque.

Photographs of the plaque will be shared on our Twitter page, and on a specially-created Instagram feed called BDblueplaques

You can see the full archive of April’s blue plaque series here.

 

St George’s Hall

Nominated by actor & writer Kamal Kaan. 

“Is there a more magnificently proportioned building in Bradford than St George’s Hall?

“One of the oldest fully functioning music halls in Europe! Whether it’s the Symphony Orchestra or The Sugababes or Russell Brand: I’ve experienced them all there.

“The building sits on the corner of this bustling city, in sandstone glory and inside is where the magic happens. From Harry Houdini and Charles Dickens, the building has welcomed a succession of stars through time. The building wears its blue plaque: a proud brilliant blue rosette pinned to the side of the building, so passers can stop and take a second to imagine the glory of such a space that has earned its place amongst us. A proud Bradfordian: resilient and has stood the test of time, willing to open its arms and welcome strangers and friends.

“I have known this building, like an intimate secret lover for over 15 years, since I had my first ever job, ushering for Bradford Theatres, (which St Georges Hall comes under as it is run by Bradford Council). It recently underwent a facelift thanks to the National Lottery Heritage Fund, and the building looks as youthful as ever, both inside and out.

“As a writer, the building has been my muse for a new British Film Institute short film that I am writing and the film and the opening scenes to be filmed inside the magnificent hall. Thus, the rest of the world can see the glorious face of this beautiful building.”