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 | England |
| 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 and the Mitchell Memorial Youth Arts Centre.
This centre was opened on October 28, 1957, by Group-Captain Douglas Bader. It was built to remember Reginald Mitchell, who designed the famous Spitfire plane. The idea for the centre started many years earlier, in 1943, when the Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent, Charles Austin Brook, asked the public for help to build it. Reginald Mitchell's wife, Florence Mitchell, also supported the idea.
Contents
How the Centre Began
Remembering a Hero
Charles Austin Brook was the Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent from 1942 to 1943. During this time, the country had just gone through the Battle of Britain. This was a big air battle in 1940 where British planes fought against German planes. The Spitfire, designed by Reginald Mitchell, was very important in this battle. It helped Britain win and stopped an invasion.
While he was mayor, Charles Austin Brook suggested building something lasting to honor Reginald Mitchell. Mitchell was born in Stoke-on-Trent. Everyone loved the idea! Many suggestions came in, but the best one was from Mr. J.F. Carr, who was in charge of education. He suggested building a Youth Centre.
Charles Austin Brook said that Britain and the world owed a lot to Reginald Mitchell. He believed building this centre would be a way to honor him. It would be a place where young people could learn, get fit, and become good citizens.
The Big Dream for Youth
The first idea for the Youth Arts Centre was very grand. The city wanted to raise £100,000. They planned to start building right after the war ended. The centre was going to have many cool things. These included a games room, a gym with a boxing ring, photography studios, a theatre, and rooms for art and music.
A special fundraising effort, called the Spitfire Mitchell Memorial Fund, started across the country in June 1944. Even before this, £40,000 had already been raised locally. By 1957, the fund's committee hoped to raise £250,000. £100,000 was for the Youth Centre itself. The rest was meant to help the University of Southampton give scholarships to engineering students.
Even though they aimed high, by 1953, the fund had collected £67,431. This was still a great amount, especially because times were tough after the war. Some money went to the University of Southampton for scholarships. Today, scholarships in Mitchell's name are still given out.
Cartwright House
Next to the main theatre building is Cartwright House. For many years, this part of the 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
In April 2009, the Mitchell Memorial Youth Arts Centre closed for a big renovation. This project cost £4.3 million. The building was updated with new theatre facilities. It reopened its doors in 2011, ready for new generations to enjoy.
