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Dr Rough, FSAScot

@billyrough.bsky.social

Art Historian/Lecturer at University of St Andrews. 19th & 20th century British Art, Music Hall, and Theatre. Occasional folkie / concertina player. Instagram: roughs_drafts

733 Followers  |  1,589 Following  |  187 Posts  |  Joined: 20.09.2023  |  2.0095

Latest posts by billyrough.bsky.social on Bluesky

A muscular, mythical figure holds a mirror, standing between dark curtains with stars in the background.

A muscular, mythical figure holds a mirror, standing between dark curtains with stars in the background.

It's quiz time! This time we're getting a little spooky πŸ‘»πŸŽƒ

Take our Halloween quiz, if you dare πŸ‘‰ https://3081ca794b59.quillforms.app/forms/art-quiz-halloween

πŸ§‘β€πŸŽ¨ William Blake (1757–1827) πŸ“· Tate

24.10.2025 11:00 β€” πŸ‘ 19    πŸ” 4    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 1

Great visit, and wonderful archive!

20.10.2025 18:24 β€” πŸ‘ 3    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Beautiful collection of paintings, drawings, and prints - the Herbert & Ann Lucas Collection - at @pianonobile.bsky.social Well worth a visit #ennui #musichall #oldbedford #Sickert

18.10.2025 12:07 β€” πŸ‘ 3    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

Posters from our wonderful Cyrus Dare Collection #musichall

17.10.2025 18:26 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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#MusicHall research down in Lambeth today at the @musichallsociety.bsky.social archive. #Dundee posters, Hetty King’s shoes, Max Miller’s hat, and the trousers of G.H. Elliott! #planning #WatchThisSpace

@lambetharchives.bsky.social

17.10.2025 14:39 β€” πŸ‘ 9    πŸ” 2    πŸ’¬ 3    πŸ“Œ 1
Joe McLaren's fabulous cover for Everything Will Swallow You

Joe McLaren's fabulous cover for Everything Will Swallow You

A close up of the small tear on this first edition of Everything Will Swallow You

A close up of the small tear on this first edition of Everything Will Swallow You

I'm giving away this signed 1st edition h/b of my new novel (it has a tiny jacket rip which means I wouldn't sell it) to one person who reposts this.

You might like it if you like:
Folkloric creatures
Old records
Intricate psychedelic stories
The idea of circular time

All shares much-appreciated.

08.10.2025 10:11 β€” πŸ‘ 123    πŸ” 133    πŸ’¬ 8    πŸ“Œ 8
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Build council homes.

Treat people with dignity.

The threat isn't the migrants - it's the wealth of the super rich.

And the media outlets and the politicians who protect their power.

06.09.2025 19:34 β€” πŸ‘ 1028    πŸ” 293    πŸ’¬ 22    πŸ“Œ 10
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Remembering #otd d.1856 Fulham, British actress, singer & impresario Madame Vestris, pioneer of cross-dressing 'belt n breeches' roles & independent female business management πŸ‘‰bit.ly/3Z18zPz @youngalison.bsky.social @womenknowhistory.bsky.social @billyrough.bsky.social @theatreresearch.bsky.social

08.08.2025 06:21 β€” πŸ‘ 3    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Great event at the Lambeth Archives with the British Music Hall Society. Always excited to see anything on The Grecian Saloon in Shoreditch. #BritishMusicHallSociety #LambethArchives

07.08.2025 12:04 β€” πŸ‘ 11    πŸ” 3    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 1
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Getting ready for our very 1st SOLD OUT β€˜Archive on Show’ event today at our new home @lambetharchives.bsky.social
#MusicHall #Variety #archive

07.08.2025 09:43 β€” πŸ‘ 9    πŸ” 2    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0
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A new exhibition at Lancaster Maritime Museum showcases stories of black entertainers from Morecambe’s golden era, featuring items from the BMHS Archive. Researched by Kirsty Roberts, she will be β€˜In the Limelight’ at the Water Rats on October 21, 2025. Booking link: buff.ly/KcC0Rtu

06.08.2025 14:34 β€” πŸ‘ 8    πŸ” 4    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
Preview
A Dynasty on Stage:Part Two: Joseph Cowell in America (1821-43) - Anthony Binns Chapter 1 (Continued): The Life of Joe Cowell (1792-1863) Part Two: Joe Cowell in America (1821-43) The Park Theatre, New York 1821 Joseph Cowell and his young wife sailed the Atlantic for approximate...

For those interested in theatre, circus & music hall history, Part 2 of my blog on early 19th century comedian 'Joe Cowell in America' is now online πŸ‘‰
bit.ly/4eWBhrF
@musichallsociety.bsky.social @youngalison.bsky.social @billyrough.bsky.social @roadsw9.bsky.social @victorianlondon.bsky.social

17.07.2025 05:55 β€” πŸ‘ 10    πŸ” 3    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0

harrisonarchive.tumblr.com/post/7445050...

14.07.2025 07:56 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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One of my favourite #folk things - and found close to where my family crofted too!

Adopt the β€˜Ballachulish Goddess’ and help a great museum! Do so and you’ll get this cracking key ring!

www.justgiving.com/campaign/bal...

www.glencoemuseum.com/post/the-mys...

#Ballachulish #Glencoe

10.07.2025 11:12 β€” πŸ‘ 6    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0
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How’s this for a theatre poster? 1849, Theatre Royal, #Dundee. A bit of a curiosity as it looks like a budding poster designer has sketched out ideas on the back. Always welcome for some thoughts on #Alexander and #Woodward!

#History #Theatre #Pantomime #Turpin #TomKing #Punch

09.07.2025 14:34 β€” πŸ‘ 11    πŸ” 3    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0
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Anyone interested in theatre & music hall history might enjoy my new blog on the Cowell-Compton-Pelissier dynasty. Pt.One focuses on comedy & circus pioneer Joe Cowell πŸ‘‰ bit.ly/3Z18zPz
@musichallsociety.bsky.social @youngalison.bsky.social @billyrough.bsky.social @intothelimelight.bsky.social

03.06.2025 05:33 β€” πŸ‘ 4    πŸ” 2    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

Still planning the walk!

30.05.2025 18:43 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0
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Not sure if it will help with any sales, but recommended your books in our @uniofstandrews.bsky.social newsletter today πŸ‘πŸ»

30.05.2025 18:39 β€” πŸ‘ 15    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 1
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Wonderful end to an excellent #musichallvarietyday 2025!

Laughs a plenty at β€˜Duck Soup’ and a splendid intro by Matthew Jarron touching on Chaplin, Keaton, Dan Leno & more! (I did a bit too!)

Much thanks to @musichallsociety.bsky.social for sponsoring tonight’s screening!

#MHVD2025 #FoodAndDrink

16.05.2025 19:16 β€” πŸ‘ 9    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Wonderful #MusicHallVarietyDay 2025 walk - which ended with a very special treat - a look around what was Springthorpe’s Music Hall. Much thanks to Drawing Projects Scotland for the warm welcome!

For more info: linktr.ee/dundeemusich...

#MHVD2025 #FoodAndDrink

@musichallsociety.bsky.social

16.05.2025 15:59 β€” πŸ‘ 8    πŸ” 2    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0
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Today’s the day! #MusicHallVarietyDay 2025!

Join us tonight for an introduction and rare screening of Laurel & Hardy’s classic 1927 short β€˜Duck Soup’.

Free but booking required! linktr.ee/dundeemusich...

#MHVD2025 #FoodAndDrink

Generously supported by @musichallsociety.bsky.social

16.05.2025 10:06 β€” πŸ‘ 6    πŸ” 2    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Today’s the day! #MusicHallVarietyDay 2025!

It’s Sunny Dundee today, ideal for a music hall walk with a very special treat at the end! πŸ˜‰

Free but booking required! linktr.ee/dundeemusich...

#MHVD2025 #FoodAndDrink

@musichallsociety.bsky.social

16.05.2025 10:04 β€” πŸ‘ 4    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Tickets still available for this special screening of Laurel and Hardy's 1927 short 'Duck Soup'! Kindly supported by @musichallsociety.bsky.social as part of #MusicHallVarietyDay 2025

#MHVD2025 #FoodandDrink

More info and to book:
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/duck-soup-...

12.05.2025 09:52 β€” πŸ‘ 4    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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The History of Scottish Design in Six Objects - In partnership with the University of St Andrews A brand new online course with the University of St Andrews and V&A Dundee

Very excited about our new fully online short course! A collaboration with @vadundee.bsky.social : β€˜History of Scottish Design in Six Objects’

Spread the word!

www.vam.ac.uk/dundee/whats...

@uniofstandrews.bsky.social

12.05.2025 09:41 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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If you are in Dundee - come mark #MusicHallAndVarietyDay on Friday 16 May 2025 with a special 'Laurel and Hardy' screening and Dundee music hall walking tour!
To book follow this link: linktr.ee/dundeemusich...
#MHVD2025 #MusicHall #Dundee #Film #Walk

30.04.2025 20:02 β€” πŸ‘ 14    πŸ” 5    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Delighted to have been nominated 'Outstanding Teacher (Arts & Divinity)' at this year's Students' Association Teaching Awards.

Much congratulations to all nominees & winners! #EverToExcel

More info: www.yourunion.net/representati...

@uniofstandrews.bsky.social @arthistorysta.bsky.social

24.04.2025 08:03 β€” πŸ‘ 4    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

A perfect warm up for #MusicHallVarietyDay #MHVD2025 on Fri 16th May with food & drink theme…port wine sangarees all round for us, please

23.04.2025 12:12 β€” πŸ‘ 4    πŸ” 2    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Tonight’s #AH2901 lecture and a focus on Torres-Garcia with Dr Natalia Sassu Suarez Ferri. #LifeLongLearning #MACombinedStudies #online #art #teaching #learning @uniofstandrews.bsky.social @arthistorysta.bsky.social

22.04.2025 07:18 β€” πŸ‘ 3    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Judith Bowers - founder and director of the Britannia Panopticon Music Hall campaign will lead you on an edifying, amusing and sensational tour of the entertainment and #theatre #history of #Glasgow.
Ticket are Β£12
Click here to book your tour today: www.ticketsource.co.uk/panopticon

#scotland

18.04.2025 09:20 β€” πŸ‘ 13    πŸ” 3    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 1
The cover of my book Ring The Hill

The cover of my book Ring The Hill

The back cover of my book Ring The Hill

The back cover of my book Ring The Hill

Hello! I'm giving away 20 (20!) signed paperbacks of this book to the first people to reply to this post. Stephen Fry called it "enchanting" and "hilarious" but some people hate it & that's all cool & what happens with books. Limiting this to UK (but happy to send outside if you can cover postage)..

18.04.2025 09:29 β€” πŸ‘ 151    πŸ” 48    πŸ’¬ 89    πŸ“Œ 7

@billyrough is following 20 prominent accounts