Colston Hall Collection

Oscar Peterson in concert at Colston Hall, Bristol, 1955. Artist: Denis Williams
Oscar Peterson in concert at Colston Hall, Bristol, 1955

Humphrey Lyttelton and Sidney Bechet at Colston Hall, Bristol, 1956

Weather Report in Concert at Colston Hall, Bristol, October 1977. Artist: Denis Williams
Weather Report in Concert at Colston Hall, Bristol, October 1977. Joe Zawinul (keyboards) and Wayne Shorter (saxophone)

Chris Barber, 2013. Artist: Alan John Ainsworth
Chris Barber Band, Bristol Jazz Festival, 2013

Clare Teal, 2013. Artist: Alan John Ainsworth
Clare Teal, Bristol Jazz Festival, 2013

Lillian Boutte, 2014. Artist: Alan John Ainsworth
Lillian Boutte, Bristol Jazz Festival, 2014

The Reopening of Colston Hall, Bristol, the Orchestra at the Inaugural Performance (b / w photo)
1600423 The Reopening of Colston Hall, Bristol, the Orchestra at the Inaugural Performance (b/w photo) by English Photographer

The Bristol Musical Festival, Views in Bristol (engraving)
1621013 The Bristol Musical Festival, Views in Bristol (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Bristol Musical Festival, Views in Bristol)

Earl Roberts at Bristol, the Commander-in-Chief on his Way to open the Bazaar at Colston Hall (b / w photo)
1593652 Earl Roberts at Bristol, the Commander-in-Chief on his Way to open the Bazaar at Colston Hall (b/w photo) by English Photographer

The Burning of Colston Hall (b / w photo)
1606479 The Burning of Colston Hall (b/w photo) by English Photographer, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Burning of Colston Hall)

Legendary jazz clarinetist and saxophonist Sidney Bechet at Colston Hall, Bristol, 1956

American jazz legend Sidney Bechet in concert at Colston Hall, Bristol, 1956. Artist
American jazz legend Sidney Bechet in concert at Colston Hall, Bristol, 1956

Jazz legend Sidney Bechet playing the soprano saxophone at Colston Hall, Bristol, 1956

Jack Teagardens band in concert at Colston Hall, Bristol, 1957. Artist: Denis Williams
Jack Teagardens band in concert at Colston Hall, Bristol, 1957. On stage behind bandleader and trombonist Teagarden are Earl Hines (piano), Max Kaminsky (trumpet), Cozy Cole (drums)

Trombonist and bandleader Jack Teagarden on stage at Colston Hall, Bristol, 1957

The Dave Brubeck Quartet, Bristol, 1958. Artist: Denis Williams
The Dave Brubeck Quartet, Bristol, 1958. Seated (left to right) are Joe Morello (drums), Dave Brubeck (piano), Paul Desmond (alto saxophone and clarinet) and Eugene Wright (bass)

The Eddie Condon All Stars on stage at Colston Hall, Bristol, 1957. Leonard Gaskin (bass), Wild Bill Davison (cornet) and Bob Wilber (clarinet)

Dave Brubeck Quartet bassist Eugene Wright, Colston Hall, Bristol, 1958. Alongside Wright is Jean Brace, who became the photographers wife the same year

The Count Basie Orchestra in concert at Colston Hall, Bristol, 1957. Joe Williams on vocals and Eddie Jones on double bass

The Eddie Condon All Stars in concert, Colston Hall, Bristol, 1957
The Eddie Condon All Stars on stage at Colston Hall, Bristol, 1957. Left to right: Eddie Condon (guitar), Gene Schroeder (piano), Wild Bill Davison (cornet), Bob Wilber (clarinet)

The Lionel Hampton Orchestra in concert at Colston Hall, Bristol, 1956. Hampton watching tenor saxophonist Eddie Chamblee perform a solo

Jazz concert at Colston Hall, Bristol, 1956. Artist: Denis Williams
Jazz concert at Colston Hall, Bristol, 1956. Sidney Bechet on soprano saxophone (top left) and Humphrey Lyttelton on trumpet (bottom right)

Humphrey Lyttelton, Sidney Bechet and unknown clarinetist, Colston Hall, Bristol, 1956
Humphrey Lyttelton (trumpet), Sidney Bechet (soprano saxophone) and unknown clarinetist, Colston Hall, Bristol, 1956

The Dave Brubeck Quartet in concert at Colston Hall, Bristol, 1958. Joe Morello (drums) and Eugene Wright (double bass)

Sidney Bechet (soprano saxophone) in concert at Colston Hall, Bristol, 1956. Artist
Sidney Bechet (soprano saxophone) in concert at Colston Hall, Bristol, 1956

Oscar Peterson in the green room at Colston Hall, Bristol, 1955. Artist: Denis Williams
Oscar Peterson in the green room at Colston Hall, Bristol, 1955. The photographers first photo for a record cover

Matt Scofield, 2013. Artist: Alan John Ainsworth
Matt Scofield, Matt Schofield Trio, Bristol Jazz and Blues Festival, March 2013

Clare Teal, 2013. Artist: Alan John Ainsworth
Clare Teal, Bristol Jazz Festival, 2013

Innes Sibun, 2013. Artist: Alan John Ainsworth
Innes Sibun, Bristol Jazz Festival 2013

John Scofield, 2013. Artist: Alan John Ainsworth
John Scofield, Organic Trio, 2013

Pee Wee Ellis, 2013. Artist: Alan John Ainsworth
Pee Wee Ellis, Bristol Jazz Festival, 2013

Arturo Sandoval, 2013. Artist: Alan John Ainsworth
Arturo Sandoval, Bristol Jazz and Blues Festival 2013

Adrian Utley, 2012. Artist: Alan John Ainsworth
Adrian Utley, Bristol Jazz and Blues Fesitval, 2012

Ginger Baker, 2013. Artist: Alan John Ainsworth
Ginger Baker, Bristol Jazz Festival, 2013

Pee Wee Ellis and Clare Teal, 2015. Artist: Alan John Ainsworth
Pee Wee Ellis and Clare Teal, Bristol Jazz Festival, 2015

Lillian Boutte, 2013. Artist: Alan John Ainsworth
Lillian Boutte, Bristol Jazz Festival, 2013

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"Colston Hall: A Historic Venue for Unforgettable Performances" Step back in time to the vibrant music scene of the past as we explore the rich history of Colston Hall. In 1955, renowned jazz pianist Oscar Peterson graced its stage, captivating audiences with his mesmerizing melodies. The talented artist Denis Williams perfectly captured this iconic moment in a stunning piece of art. The following year, in 1956, two legends collided as Humphrey Lyttelton and Sidney Bechet took center stage at Colston Hall. Their electrifying performance left an indelible mark on Bristol's music history. Once again, Denis Williams immortalized this extraordinary event through his artistic prowess. Fast forward to October 1977 when Weather Report brought their groundbreaking fusion sound to Colston Hall. The concert was a true spectacle that showcased both their musical ingenuity and Denis Williams' ability to capture the essence of live performances through art. Colston Hall has always been a venue that embraces diverse genres and artists from all walks of life. In 2013, Chris Barber enchanted audiences with his soulful tunes while Clare Teal charmed them with her smooth vocals. Alan John Ainsworth masterfully depicted these unforgettable moments through his artwork. In 2014, Lillian Boutte graced Colston Hall's stage with her powerful voice and magnetic presence. Alan John Ainsworth once again demonstrated his talent by capturing her energy in a breathtaking piece of art. Throughout its long-standing history, it has witnessed many significant events beyond just concerts. From the grand reopening after renovations to hosting prestigious events like The Bristol Musical Festival, it remains an integral part of Bristol's cultural fabric. However, not all memories are joyful ones; there have been challenging times too. An old black-and-white photo reminds us of Earl Roberts' visit before opening a bazaar at Colston Hall—an image frozen in time forever.