Conversazione programmes reveal entertainment enjoyed by past members

Traditionally a “conversazione” was a scholarly social gathering held to discuss literature and the arts. You would be forgiven, therefore, for not immediately associating a conversazione with an Institution comprising mechanical engineers!

However, during the early 20th century the Institution organised several conversaziones. The first was held in May 1899 to mark the opening of One Birdcage Walk. The move to custom-built premises had given the Institution the facilities to host large functions.

It was agreed to hold a conversazione annually. In practice, conversaziones were held intermittently between 1899 and the 1930s. The programmes for these events have been digitised for our 175th anniversary. They provide an enlightening peek into past entertainment enjoyed by the Institution’s members. 

The conversaziones would include musical performances by an orchestra or band as well as a vocal performance by a group. There would also be a lecture, usually on a technical subject.

View the programmes by visiting the IMechE's virtual archive. 

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