The Spanish Civil War at 90 – collections & conversations

Join us for a unique day to mark 90 years since the start of the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) and explore the ‘passionate cause’ through a fascinating programme of historian and author talks, a film presentation, live music, and exclusive access to rare museum collections and archive materials from the time.

Discover the story of the Spanish Civil War and the members of the International Brigades – the volunteers from around the world who joined the side of the Spanish Republican government to fight against the Fascists. Hear from historians and authors Chris Hall and Dr Richard Baxell about the humanitarian aid to Republican Spain and the story of the British Battalion of the International Brigades.

Watch a film presentation curated by Marshall Mateer from the International Brigade Memorial Trust, and learn about the soundtrack to the war from Melanie Hall, a member of local harmony group The Mad Donnas, along with a performance of popular Spanish Civil War songs.

Attendees can also explore rare archival material from the museum’s collection, specially selected by the International Brigade Memorial Trust and Manchester Cervantes Institute, including photographs, newspapers, magazines, correspondence, and minutes from the period.

Meet author Chris Hall who will be signing his new book ‘British Volunteers and the Spanish Civil War: ‘The Passionate Cause,’ 1936-39’ (2026), available to purchase at the event.

Suitable for 16+

Programme for the day:

• 11.00am – 1.00pm: Drop in archive exploration
• 1.00pm – 2.00pm: Lunch break
  We recommend PHM’s café Gather. A picnic area is available for attendees bringing their own food and drink. Attendees can also explore items related to the Spanish Civil War on permanent display in Gallery One.
• 2.00pm – 2.05pm: Welcome – Chair, Dolores Long, North West International Brigade Memorial Group
• 2.05pm – 2.25pm: Film presentation of ‘Spain 1936-39: A Short Introduction to the Spanish Civil War’ – Mateer Marshall, International Brigade Memorial Trust
• 2.25pm – 2.45pm: Talk on Humanitarian Aid to Republican Spain – Chris Hall
• 2.45pm - 3.05pm: Performance – The Mad Donnas
• 3.05pm - 3.20pm: Break & book signing – Chris Hall
• 3.20pm - 3.50pm: Talk on the British Battalion of the International Brigade – Dr Richard Baxell, International Brigade Memorial Trust
• 3.50pm - 4.20pm: Panel discussion and Q&A with Chris Hall, Dr Richard Baxell, Marshall Mateer, and Melanie Hall, with closing remarks by Chair Dolores Long
• 4.20pm - 5.00pm: Book signing – Chris Hall

Contributor biographies:

Dr Richard Baxell

Historian and author, and former Research Fellow at the London School of Economics' Cañada Blanch Centre, currently the historical consultant for the International Brigade Memorial Trust. His latest book, 'Forged in Spain' is a collection of ten biographies of Britons involved in the Spanish Civil War (The Clapton Press, 2023). His previous works include the critically acclaimed 'British Volunteers in the Spanish Civil War: The British Battalion in the International Brigades, 1936-1939' and 'Unlikely Warriors', an oral history of the British volunteers in Spain; shortlisted for the 2013 Political History Book of the Year.

Chris Hall

Retired Librarian and trade unionist, Chris has researched and written on military history, specialising in the Spanish Civil War. His published works include an account of George Orwell's fellow British and Irish volunteers. He has written about Manchester nurse Madge Addy, who served in the Spanish Civil War and was a secret agent in occupied France in World War II. His latest book is 'British Volunteers and the Spanish Civil War: 'The Passionate Cause', 1936-39' (2026).

Marshall Mateer

Film Co-ordinator, International Brigade Memorial Trust (IBMT), with films including, 'The Brigaders Return!' – a site-specific film presentation for the 85th anniversary (of the return of the volunteers) in 2024, and articles in 'Not Such a Quiet Front' and 'Ramona' in 'Remembering Spain', edited by Newmark (The Clapton Press, 2023). Currently researching and writing 'The Earliest British and Irish Volunteers (August-September 1936)'.

The Mad Donnas

Chorlton's The Mad Donnas sing a range of songs and styles, from jazz and swing, through cowboy songs, folk, and pop. They have performed all over Manchester and are regulars at the Chorlton Art Festival. Their first performance of songs from the Spanish Civil War was to former union leader and Spanish Civil War veteran, Jack Jones.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher People's History Museum