The Brighton Dome is preparing to mark Heritage Open Day with an extensive programme of complimentary events and activities.
Scheduled for Sunday, September 20, between 10am and 4pm, the event offers visitors the chance to explore more than 200 years of occupational history associated with the venue.
Dr Michael Shapland, a buildings archaeologist with over a dozen years of experience documenting diverse historic structures, will deliver a presentation examining how architectural heritage transforms, adjusts, deteriorates, and survives through time.
His professional work frequently involves documenting distinctive spaces shortly before their disappearance.
The discussion will draw upon examples from the local area, presenting narratives embedded within historic structures through the lenses of archaeological investigation and architectural scholarship.
Attendees will also learn about Shapland’s recent findings concerning Oscar Wilde and Brighton’s Royal Albion Hotel, a discovery that attracted national coverage following a BBC News report last month.
A complementary exhibition titled Everyday Histories: Working Lives at Brighton Dome presents related accounts gathered by the venue’s heritage volunteer group.
The display incorporates research materials alongside photographic images and personal testimonies contributed by current employees.
Among the featured works are portrait photographs created by Graham Cameron, a photographer employed at Brighton Dome.
Cameron documented his fellow workers during the recent renovation of the Corn Exchange and Studio Theatre complex.
These images are presented alongside contemporary staff reflections and historical documentation from the venue’s archive collection, establishing connections between present-day workers and their predecessors.
Guided preview tours of the Concert Hall and Corn Exchange spaces will be conducted free of charge by heritage volunteers.
A selection of hands-on creative pursuits suitable for families will also be on offer, encompassing character design activities drawing inspiration from individuals who shaped the venue’s history, tile creation workshops referencing decorative tiles found throughout the building, and badge craft sessions where participants can produce items to keep.
Simultaneously, a special performance featuring Brighton Dome’s historic pipe organ will take place.
Performer Ashley Valentine will demonstrate the instrument’s considerable tonal variety and illustrate its suitability for accompanying silent cinema.
Following a Felix the Cat animated short, Valentine will provide live musical accompaniment to two classic comedy films: Big Business starring Laurel and Hardy from 1929, and The Scarecrow featuring Buster Keaton from 1920.
The organ concert commences at 3.30pm, with admission priced at £7.