Born in South Africa in 1898, Billy Butlin was a household name in Britain by the 1930s. Most famous for his chain of holiday camps, this lecture explores Butlin’s unconventional background, his early career as a travelling showman and amusement park owner, and the phenomenal success of his all-inclusive camp idea. Butlin’s rags to riches story was key to his company’s branding but his own family life was rather less happy than the image he portrayed to the world. He was, nonetheless, one of the greatest entrepreneurs of the twentieth century and the ultimate holiday maker.
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About the Speaker
Kathryn Ferry
Dr Kathryn Ferry is an author and historian who specialises in the architecture and culture of the British seaside. Her books include titles on beach huts, bungalows and the official history of Butlin's. She is Chair of the Seaside Heritage Network, a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society and also regularly contributes to television and radio programmes.
