So 2011 kicks off with the Tobacco Factory market next Sunday (6 March). Tobacco Factory is one of those places where there's always something new and interesting going on in the theatre, at one of their community events, at the market or just hanging out in the cafe/bar. There's lots of information about what's on on their website and facebook page and I'm looking forward to seeing what's new.
In case you were wondering about the name, it really was a tobacco factory! Wikipedia says:
"The Tobacco Factory is the last remaining part of the old Wills Tobacco site on Raleigh Road, Southville, Bristol. It was saved from demolition by Architect George Ferguson and through his vision has become a model of urban regeneration. It is now a multi-use building which houses Teoh's restaurant, animation and performing arts school, loft-style apartments, a café bar, offices and a theatre."
If you'd like to know more, click here to see a video about the history of the building and how it came to be the South West's leading Shakespearean theatre. The video includes some great clips and interviews, including George Ferguson, some of the women who used to work in the factory making cigars, and Sir Jonathan Miller!
Will be there again on 20 March for anyone who's got time to drop by....
Looking forward to it.....
My Nan (and East Bristol grandmothers are were always Nans - we cant muck about with all that Granny nonsense..) worked there as a cigar maker a long, long time ago. See you there.
ReplyDeletep.s. love all the links...... :)
Have you got a photo of her? Would be great to post a pic if you do. I've got a friend who was a Wills girl....
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