As Bournemouth Pavilion looks ahead to celebrating its centenary in 2029, a generous donation has helped bring its rich theatrical past vividly back to life.

Following a recent appeal for items to enrich its growing archive, Bournemouth Pavilion has received deeply personal contribution from Poole resident Adrian Zakrzewski, who has donated his late mother’s cherished collection of autograph books in her memory.

Adrian’s mother, Lorna Hussey, worked in Bournemouth Pavilion’s box office throughout the 1930s and into the post-war years, remaining at the venue until 1946. Her role placed her at the heart of a golden age of live entertainment, when variety acts, comedians and music hall stars drew packed audiences to the iconic seaside theatre week after week.

“My mother loved the arts,” Adrian explains. “She taught music and dancing to youngsters, played the piano, and enjoyed meeting all the different performers and visitors that came through Bournemouth Pavilion.”

Lorna left her role at Bournemouth Pavilion following her marriage to Adrian’s father. Sadly, due to personal difficulties and the lasting impact of her experiences during the Second World War, she rarely spoke about her time working at the theatre. It was only years later, when Adrian uncovered long-forgotten boxes at her home, that the full story of her remarkable experiences began to emerge.

Inside were Lorna’s autograph books, beautifully preserved collections of handwritten messages, signed photographs and newspaper cuttings that together paint a vivid picture of life backstage during one of the most exciting periods in British entertainment history. The pages chronicle a week-by-week record of famous names who appeared on the Pavilion stage, capturing the excitement of performers and audiences alike.

Among the most striking items are two large black-and-white signed photographs of Gracie Fields, one of which is personally inscribed to Lorna. Fields was one of Britain’s most popular entertainers of the 1930s. She began her career touring as a variety performer at local theatres such as Bournemouth Pavilion. By 1937, she was the highest-paid British film star.

Fields’s first performance at Bournemouth Pavilion was in September 1934. She returned for three consecutive days of performances in September 1936. These engagements were part of her regular work on the British variety circuit, where popular music hall and screen stars would headline variety bills in seaside and regional theatres across the UK. Bournemouth Pavilion was firmly established as a key stop on that circuit.

Adrian has now kindly donated his entire collection to the Pavilion Archive in memory of his mother, ensuring it is preserved professionally and made accessible for future generations.

“I’m very pleased that this collection has found a safe home back at the venue my mother loved so much,” he says.

“Knowing her memories will become part of Bournemouth Pavilion’s story means a great deal to me.”

Every donated artefact adds to the story of a building that has entertained generations and continues to inspire pride in Bournemouth today.

Bournemouth Pavilion is owned by BCP Council and operated in partnership with registered charity and social enterprise BH Live.

On behalf of BH Live, Steve Turner, Director of Venues, shared;

“As we prepare to mark Bournemouth Pavilion’s centenary in 2029, contributions like this are incredibly meaningful. Adrian’s generous donation of his mother’s autograph books not only helps us preserve Bournemouth Pavilion’s rich history, but also brings to life the personal stories and memories connected to the venue. We are deeply grateful to him for entrusting us with such a precious collection.”

As Bournemouth Pavilion approaches its landmark centenary, contributions like Lorna Hussey’s autograph books help safeguard its legacy for the next hundred years.

Anyone wishing to contribute memories, memorabilia or artefacts to the Pavilion Archive is encouraged to get in touch with the team at pavilion.archive@bhlive.org.uk.