The Lost Diaries of Harry Bow

Harry came from a working-class family and lived in central Bristol for most of his life. He wrote and drew sketches in diaries that documented the social, political, sporting, military and cultural events he went to. He also documented his train journeys and holidays to villages and coastal resorts in the South West. Sadly, many of his diaries are lost but eight are known to have survived.

Harry comes across in his diaries as an adventurous character with a big imagination, who found joy and humour in everyday life. He was a brilliant observer of people and places, and his images and written accounts provide a rare and entertaining insight into the hustle and bustle of Victorian culture. As part of the exhibition we designed and built a bespoke round table which encouraged people to gather in the centre of the space and take part in communal drawing.