Hull's Woolly Zoo 2018 Extravaganza

A very Happy New Year to you all as we resume our normal activities following Christmas here at the History Centre. And whilst 2017 might be over, we are by no means any less busy as our first exhibition is just three weeks away!

Throughout 2017, those of you who are regular visitors to our Facebook page will have noticed hundreds of pictures of amazing woolly creations made by yourselves and staff here at the History Centre. These were sent in as a response to a year-long social media campaign. Through this campaign, we aimed to highlight a largely forgotten piece of Hull's history. During the 19^th century, Hull was home to a regionally famous zoo full of animals, including polar bears and elephants. Whilst the Hull Zoological Gardens were open daily to the public, every year the Hull Zoological Society put together a season of extravagant galas. These galas were held at the Zoological Gardens and always ended with a grand display of fireworks (probably not great for the animals!). 

This story has long intrigued a number of us here at the History Centre, so we decided to make it our first exhibition of 2018. But we wanted to make this exhibition a little bit different, out of the ordinary - much like the Zoological Gardens were. So, we decided to try and recreate the zoo out of wool... The response to our social media appeal for exhibits was overwhelming, and we now have all the components for what will hopefully be a fantastic exhibition. 

The exhibition will be free to enter! It opens on the 1 February, and will run until the 7 April. During this time, we will be holding a number of free events aimed at both children and adults. Events programmes are available to pick up at the History Centre, and you can contact us for further information at hullhistorycentre@hcandl.co.uk or on 01482 317500. Keep an eye on the History Centre’s Twitter feed and Facebook page, and of course here on the blog, for further updates over the coming weeks…

Verity and Claire, Hull University Archives staff