The talk is based upon several years of research including material uncovered as part of the Heritage Lottery Fund supported Tees Transporter Bridge Visitor Experience and Middlesbrough Town Hall Restoration and Refurbishment Project, and features a rich array of material from Teesside Archives and Middlesbrough Reference Library.
The talk will explore the industrialist’s role in the iron and steel industry at Bell Brothers and Dorman Long, the development of the Transporter Bridge, contributions to education including at the predecessors of Newcastle University and Teesside University, support of Lady Florence Bell’s Winter Garden, and the Liberal politician’s travels with famed daughter and ‘Queen of the Desert’ Gertrude Bell.
Visitors will also have an opportunity to view the Town Hall’s collection of historic portraits and other memorabilia in the Mayor’s Parlour.
Heritage Development Officer Dr Tosh Warwick said: “Sir Hugh Bell was amongst the region’s most influential figures of the 19th and 20th centuries and had an impact on the lives of tens of thousands of people.
“The Discover Middlesbrough event provides an opportunity to learn more about the area’s heritage in the historic surroundings of Middlesbrough Council Chamber in the shadow of Sir Hugh Bell’s portrait dating from1908.”
Councillor Mick Thompson, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive Member for Culture and Communities, said: “Discover Middlesbrough has become a popular fixture on the town’s calendar, and it is fantastic that the community will be able to learn more about one of the town’s major historical figures in the surroundings of the Council Chamber.”
- The event from 11am to noon is free to attend and booking is not required. Attendees should sign in at Middlesbrough Town Hall main reception prior to the event.
For more information or to view and download the 2017 Discover Middlesbrough brochure, visit http://www.lovemiddlesbrough.com/whats-on/event/7398/discover-middlesbrough-2017 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
