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
The UK's first arts centre
The Blue Coat School
Not just a pretty façade
Sandon Studios Society
Bluecoat and Slavery
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Watch My Bluecoat Stories
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156/300 Facts
1700s
In the early 18th century, Dr Bell's ‘Madras system’ of education was introduced to Blue Coat School, based on the principal of older pupils teaching younger ones.
My Bluecoat News
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
20/05/2020
Posters from the 60s & 70s by Bryan Biggs
06/05/2020
Bluecoat Curator Adam Lewis-Smythe shares his favourite posters from the archive