Exclusive and intriguing talks by renowned historians and broadcasters Kate Williams and Amber Butchart will be part of a series of events from The National Archives to complement their major 2022 exhibition, The 1920s: Beyond the Roar. Marking the publication of the 1921 Census for England and Wales on 6th January, The National Archives presents 20s People: a programme of events and activities exploring what everyday life was really like in the 1920s. This intrguing series will culminate with an end-of-season Kate Meyrickesque event, allowing visitors to dive into 1920’s Soho and Meyrick’s infamous 43 Club.
Kick-starting the series on 26th January is historian, author and broadcaster Kate Williams, examining the 1920s as a decade of conflict, creation and change that saw Britain leap forward in some areas but crumble in others. This online talk will bring to life the fascinating world of the 1920s; from strikes to suffrage in a tumultuous decade that today still stands as an incredible period of social change.
Kate Williams commented, I am fascinated by the 1920s, have researched and written on it, and I am so thrilled to be involved with The National Archives’ Exhibition and Events programme. The 1920s was a time when people had to hold on tight, surrounded by change, and reading their letters and documents is such a privilege, hearing the amazing spirit of ‘20s men and women.
The online talk series has been developed to complement the National Archives’ myth-busting exhibition The 1920s: Beyond the Roar. Drawing on The National Archives’ vast collection of records, artefacts and the expert knowledge of its historians, Beyond the Roar will interrogate the period’s stereotypes and pivot attention to the everyday experience. Running from 21st January to 11th June 2022, the 20s People programme of events will run alongside the exhibition.
Curator, writer and broadcaster Amber Butchart, who specialises in the cultural and political history of textiles and dress, will explore the shifts that influenced the style of the era. On 30th March, this talk will look at radical fashion changes in the 1920s and some of the notable figures that helped to define the decade. Butchart will examine how influences that were shaping the modern world, such as women’s political representation, Hollywood, sporting stars and avant-garde art movements, also went on to shape normal womens’ wardrobes in the 1920s. 20s People will culminate in a Late, Kaye Meyrick style party, with further details to be confirmed.
The events late also includes an exclusive guide to the 20s house from Melanie Backe-Hansen, an independent historian, writer, and speaker. Visitors will have the opportunity to ’Meet the Curators’ and join The 1920s: Beyond The Roar’s curators Katie Fox, Katherine Howells and Laura Robson-Mainwaring for an online highlights tour of the exhibition and live Q&A.
Shikha Sharma, Events Manager at The National Archives, comments, It is hugely exciting to be able to announce such prestigious names for our online events programme exploring the 1920s. By holding these talks online, anyone in the world can register and log on from home to learn more about the time in which our predecessors lived 100 years ago.
Whether you are interested in finding out more about your family, house or community, or whether you are fascinated by the 1920s and want to learn more about the people, society and government of the time, our 20sPeople programme will have something for you.
