Mitchell Arts Centre facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mitchell Arts Centre |
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The building in April 2016, with the canopy added during refurbishment.
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| Former names | Mitchell Memorial Youth Arts Centre |
| Alternative names | The Mitch |
| Etymology | Reginald Mitchell |
| General information | |
| Type | Arts Centre |
| Architectural style | Modern |
| Address | Broad Street, Hanley |
| Town or city | Stoke-on-Trent |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Coordinates | 53°01′23″N 2°10′47″W / 53.023025°N 2.1796774°W |
| Opened | 28 October 1957 |
| Renovated | 2009–2011 |
The Mitchell Arts Centre is a special place in Stoke-on-Trent, England. People often call it "The Mitch." It used to be known as the Mitchell Memorial Youth Theatre or Mitchell Memorial Youth Arts Centre. This centre was officially opened on 28 October 1957 by Group-Captain Douglas Bader. The idea for it began 14 years earlier, in 1943. The then-Lord Mayor, Charles Austin Brook, started a public fundraiser. He had the support of Florence Mitchell, who was the wife of Reginald Mitchell.
Contents
Building a Memorial: The Centre's History
Remembering a Hero
Charles Austin Brook was the Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent from 1942 to 1943. During this time, he saw the Battle of Britain. This was a huge air battle in 1940 where British planes fought against German planes. A very important plane in this battle was the Spitfire. It was designed by Reginald Mitchell, who was born in Stoke-on-Trent.
While he was mayor, Charles Austin Brook suggested building something lasting to remember Reginald Mitchell. Everyone loved this idea! Many suggestions came forward. One of the best ideas came from Mr. J.F. Carr, the director of education. He suggested building a Youth Centre. Charles Austin Brook said about the fundraising appeal:
Britain and the world owe Reginald Mitchell a debt that cannot be repaid. We can, however, honour his memory by erecting a temple a temple wherein youth may gaze with confidence towards the future; where physical fitness goes hand in hand with learning and reaches the goal of true citizenship.
Big Plans for Young People
The first idea for the Youth Arts Centre was very grand. The city wanted to raise £100,000. They hoped to start building right after World War II ended. The plan was for the Youth Centre to have many cool features:
- A games room
- A gym with a full-sized boxing ring
- Studios for photography
- A theatre
- Rooms for art and music
Raising Money for the Centre
The "Spitfire Mitchell Memorial Fund" was launched across the country in London in June 1944. Before this, £40,000 had already been raised locally in Stoke-on-Trent. In 1957, a local newspaper said the fund's committee wanted to raise £250,000 in total.
- £100,000 would be used to build the Youth Centre.
- The rest of the money would help the University of Southampton offer scholarships. These scholarships would be for students studying engineering.
Even with the nationwide appeal, the fund only reached £67,431 by 1953. This was still seen as a great achievement. It was a difficult time after the war, so raising that much money was impressive. From this money, £20,000 was given to the University of Southampton for scholarships in Mitchell's name.
Cartwright House: A Place for Learning
Next to the main theatre building is Cartwright House. For many years, this building was home to the Hanley branch of the Workers Educational Association. This group helped adults across the city get access to education.
Modern Updates: The Centre's Refurbishment
In April 2009, the Mitchell Memorial Youth Arts Centre closed its doors. It needed a big update! A major refurbishment project began, costing £4.3 million. The building was made new and exciting again. It officially re-opened in 2011, ready for a new generation of young people.
