Photos from the first science fiction convention, 1937

Just in time for the 75th anniversary, some photos of the "first" science fiction convention, in Leeds (shown here, Walter Gillings, Arthur C. Clarke, Ted Carnell, in front of Theosophical Hall). Although the site pooh-poohs the idea that the first Philcon was the first-ever con, I'm somewhat loyal to the notion, for the completely ahistorical and biased reason that I was Philcon's guest of honor this year, 75 years after its first gathering.

In January 1937, the Leeds chapter of the Science Fiction League brought something new into the world: the first ever SF convention. (A counter claim is made for an earlier visit of New York fans to meet Philadelphia fans at the home of one of their number, but this is hard to take seriously - see THE FIRST EVER CONVENTION, link below.) At a time when travelling any distance was much more difficult than it is today, several of those attending travelled hundreds of miles to be there. Held in Leeds' Theosophical Hall, at 14 Queen Square, the main order of business was setting up the Science Fiction Association, the UK's first national SF organisation.

THE FIRST CONVENTION (1937) (Thanks, Paul!)

I write books. My latest is a YA science fiction novel called Homeland (it's the sequel to Little Brother). More books: Rapture of the Nerds (a novel, with Charlie Stross); With a Little Help (short stories); and The Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow (novella and nonfic). I speak all over the place and I tweet and tumble, too.

MORE: happy mutants • History • Old school • science fiction • uk

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Simon Champion

You mean the first ever UK science fiction convention?

Perhaps you should check out Fred Pohl’s blog (he’s now well over 90 years old and still posting at least a couple of times a week) for a true history of Science Fiction and conventions thereof.

http://www.thewaythefutureblogs.com/
Simon Champion

Oh yes, here’s his word cloud on the subject, happy reading!

http://www.thewaythefutureblogs.com/tag/conventions/
BombBlastLightingWaltz

Those mugs look like real wise crackers.
Ivan Knezevic

The same smug faces, but on thinner people.
http://www.facebook.com/brianrazencain Brian Cain

Young Arthur C Clarke is a meme waiting to happen. Take it away Reddit!
seyo

Science fiction writers in 1937 UK, or hipsters smoking cigarettes outside a 2012 $18 cocktail Brooklyn “mixologist ‘speakeasy?’” YOU DECIDE!
Ceronomus

I have to agree with the folks in Leeds, I don’t know as meeting at someone’s house really counts as a convention. Heck, the Leeds Science Fiction League even had a souvenir report.

Both events are fairly important moments in the history of fandom, but I think that the folks in Leeds beat us to the first “convention.”
http://twitter.com/damnit_Jim Jim Gray

Once again my theory that every generation before the baby boomers hit was more badass than the last is proven true. Those nerds look like they could totally beat down modern nerds.
(I include me in that)
GeekMan

Looking at that picture, it’s so comforting to know that, although separated by vast expanses of time, Geeks will always be Geeks. :D
http://www.doggo.org doggo

NEEEEEERRRRRRRRDDDDSSS!!!
Mister44

Arthur C. Clarke was such a square.
http://maggiekb.com/ Maggie Koerth-Baker

Young Arthur C. Clarke is going on my list of “Famous People I Would Like To Go Back In Time And Make Out With.”