Press Release: 18th January 2013

Profiles of the Past to arrive shortly

Brighton & Hove charity, the Brunswick Town Charitable Trust, which supports development of The Regency Town House Heritage Centre in Brunswick Square, Hove, has been awarded a £99,000 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, to develop a two-year project about British silhouette history. Called, Profiles of the Past, the project will deliver a series of silhouette exhibitions and a dedicated silhouette website.

Nick Tyson, Curator at The Regency Town House, says:

"While extremely commonplace in their heyday from 1770 to 1860, and undergoing an early-20th century revival with photography well established, the silhouette is today a near-forgotten form of folk-art, largely hidden from public view and appreciation. We are delighted to have the opportunity to share the fascinating story of the silhouette with the community." 

Stuart McLeod, Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund South East England, said:

“For more than twenty years, volunteers at The Brunswick Town Charitable Trust have focused on Georgian history and architecture. Over this timeframe, they have become aware of Britain’s significant silhouette heritage; learning both about national practice and the silhouette makers who built their reputations on the promenade and the piers locally in Brighton. We at the Heritage Lottery Fund are delighted to support their collaboration with the Silhouette Collectors Club and look forward to the outcome of their joint venture.”

The Profiles project gets underway immediately and those with an interest in silhouettes are eagerly invited to contact the Town House team if they would like to get involved with the initiative.

The dedicated website, www.profilesofthepast.org.uk, will develop over the coming months and be fully functional as of November 2013.

Contact us via: +44 (0) 1273 206306 / nick@rth.org.uk / www.rth.org.uk