Event Details

Come at join us in the Archives Research Centre for a drop-in session to explore the British entertainment industry in the mid 20th century through the lens of the Jack Hylton Archive...

Come at join us in the Archives Research Centre for a drop-in session to explore the British entertainment industry in the mid 20th century through the lens of the Jack Hylton Archive. Browse the collection and help guide us on how we can share the collection with a much wider audience. This session is also held on the 24th June.

Although he has largely been forgotten by today’s audiences, Jack Hylton (1872-1965), a pianist, composer, band leader, theatrical impresario, and TV Producer, was pretty much the Simon Cowell of his day. He first rose to prominence in the British dance band era. He was known as “The Ambassador of British Dance Music” by the musical press, not only for his popularity, which extended across UK, Europe and the US, but also for his use of large ensembles and his polished arrangements. After he transferred his focus to theatre in World War II, his productions dominated the London Stage in the 1940s-1950s. These shows often toured theatres across the UK, bringing West End theatre to a wider audience. Jack was also heavily involved in the transatlantic exchange of entertainment during this period, bringing Broadway shows and cast to the West End and beyond. He produced the first UK production of various New York shows, including Kiss Me Kate; Paint Your Wagon, and Camelot. In late 1950s, he moved into TV production and produced light entertainment shows for the new independent TV company, Associated-Rediffusion.

His collection comprises 1000s of items which tell the story of his career from his time as a young musician through his rise to become the top producer of his day. It includes band arrangements, printed scores, recordings related to his band career; promotional materials, scripts, orchestra arrangements; set designs from his theatrical productions; musical arrangements from his TV productions; and various papers, press cuttings albums and photographs which document his career.

We are currently working on opening up the collection to a much wider audiences but would like opinions from staff and students from a wide variety of disciplines on what direction this work may take. The event is open to any members of our Community on campus.