Talk: Fun Palaces: the history and architecture of the entertainment industry Mike Higginbottom
Schedule
Wed, 18 Feb, 2026 at 05:30 pm
UTC+00:00Location
The Pump Room, SK17 6BH Buxton, United Kingdom | Buxton, EN
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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.
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Where is it happening?
The Pump Room, SK17 6BH Buxton, United Kingdom, Pump Room, The Crescent, Buxton, SK17 6BD, United KingdomEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
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