'The Fairfield Collection' and 'The Art of Fairfield' exhibitions
Until Saturday 4 November 2017
From its opening in November 1962, Fairfield Halls played a significant part in the cultural life of Croydon and beyond.
'The Fairfield Collection' exhibition showcases objects, archive material and people's memories from the Fairfield Halls.
Many of the items on display were removed from the venue prior its closure for refurbishment in July 2016.
The oral histories included in the exhibition, capture the memories of audience members, staff, volunteers, performers and the wider community.
They were collected as part of FAB Croydon's HLF funded project, to preserve the history of Fairfield Halls and celebrate the ongoing role it plays in the spirit and identity of Croydon.
Highlights of the exhibition include a bust of Sir Arthur Davison, Fairfield's own Town Crier uniform, an Evening Standard Award given to Dame Peggy Ashcroft and the signature book signed initially by Her Majesty the Queen Mother, followed by many of the performers at the venue.
Explore the objects and stories included in 'The Fairfield Collection' online exhibition [link opens in new window].
'The Fairfield Collection'exhibition
Croydon NOW Gallery
Croydon Clocktower
Tuesday 16 May - Saturday 4 November 2017
Tuesday - Saturday, 10.30am - 5pm (except public holidays)
Free entry, suitable for all ages
Also on display at Croydon Clocktower is 'The Art of Fairfield' exhibition, showcasing a selection of artwork formally on display at Fairfield Halls.
Some of the paintings displayed at the venue between 1962 and 2016, were from the boroughs historic collections, while others were purchased or presented to reflect the artistic programme and the civic and cultural life of Croydon. Fairfield Halls also created its own artwork in the form of designs for promotional material.
Works featured in the exhibition include Norman Partridge's paintings of Croydon theatres, watercolour sketches of musicians rehearsing by Anne Murray and a cartoon by JAK. Also displayed are a view of the Fairfield Halls by Ken A. Head and an original promotional artwork for a performance at the Halls, which have been specifically conserved and framed for this exhibition.
Although many of these works were previously on display at Fairfield Halls, we hope that seeing them in a new light will evoke memories of Fairfield Halls as well as promoting Croydon's unique cultural offer to new audiences.
'The Art of Fairfield' is on display in the Exhibition Gallery, Croydon Clocktower, Katharine Street, Croydon, CR9 1ET.
Tuesday 23 May - Saturday 4 November 2017
Tuesday - Saturday, 10.30am - 5pm
Free entry, suitable for all ages
Both exhibitions are part of The Fairfield Collection project, celebrating the history of Fairfield Halls, delivered in partnership between FAB Croydon and the Museum of Croydon, supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund.
To discover events connected with this exhibition and more, visit our 'What's on' page...
To find out more about Museum of Croydon exhibitions in the past, present and future visit our 'Exhibitions' page...