300 years at the heart of Liverpool
My Bluecoat brings together stories, films, documents and archival images from one of Liverpool's most iconic buildings. Dedicated in 1717, Bluecoat is the oldest building in Liverpool city centre and the UNESCO World Heritage Site. It began life as a charitable boarding school for poor children, and in the early 20th century became the UK's first arts centre, a role that continues today. This website brings together these historic strands alongside the stories of the people who have visited, experienced and participated in Bluecoat’s varied activities.
Research for the website took place during 2017, our 300th anniversary year, and we’re continuing to update and add to it – with your help. Whether you’re exploring Bluecoat for the first time, or have memories to share, we would love to hear your Bluecoat story. My Bluecoat has been developed in partnership with Liverpool Record Office and Liverpool Blue Coat School and is supported by the National Lottery through the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Featured Collections
Bluecoat and Slavery
Shape and Structure selected by Emily Motto
The UK's first arts centre
The Blue Coat School
Not just a pretty façade
Sandon Studios Society
Captain Beefheart at Bluecoat
Search the Archive
Watch My Bluecoat Stories
Have some Fun
Our Lockdown Newsletters
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286/300 Facts
1940s
After the war, the English Folk Dance and Song Society had a regional office at Bluecoat. Bert Jansch, Martin Carthy & Dave Swarbrick, June Tabor, Martin Simpson and many others from the folk world have performed at the venue.
My Bluecoat News
16/06/2020
Posters from the archive - Selection by Liverpool-based design company Dorothy
03/06/2020
Imagining Bluecoat 1769 - Ed Farrell's paintings, maps & notes
02/06/2020
Posters from the archive by Bryan Biggs - Poetry and Spoken Word Events
06/05/2020
Bluecoat Curator Adam Lewis-Smythe shares his favourite posters from the archive
My Bluecoat Story
In almost continuous use for three centuries, people have experienced Bluecoat in many different ways: as school pupil, artist, retailer, shopper, arts attender, workshop participant, visitor. This ever-growing selection of stories and short films tells some of their stories.
