To commemorate Cluedo’s invention in Birmingham, we welcomed Marcia Lewis, daughter of the game’s creators, Anthony and Elva Pratt, who deposited into the city’s collection
The Pratts invented the game in their Kings Heath home during World War Two and over 80 years on, the game remains a bestseller, having sold millions of sets across the world.
The deposit of items including games, photos, letters and memorabilia were handed into the safekeeping of Birmingham Archives and Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, reflecting the game’s close links to the city.
The game’s premise was inspired by the murder mystery role-playing games Anthony saw while working as a pianist at country hotels, whilst the board layout sketched by Elva is said by some fans, to be inspired by local Highbury Hall.
Items stored in the Birmingham Archive service are available for the public to access by searching reference number MS 5201 in the Wolfson Centre for Archival Research on the Library of Birmingham’s fourth floor.
Marcia Lewis, Anthony and Elva Pratt’s daughter said: “I feel strongly that these items connected with the origins of Cluedo belong in Birmingham and that for a number of reasons Cluedo only exists because of Birmingham.
After 80 years it’s high time these documents came home and I’m grateful they’ll be in the safekeeping of the City’s Library and Museum and Art Gallery.”
Cllr Saima Suleman, Cabinet Member for Digital, Culture, Heritage and Tourism said: “The invention of Cluedo in Birmingham highlights our city’s proud history of innovation and creativity so I am pleased to welcome Cluedo items into the city’s history collection and would like to thank Marcia for this important deposit.
It is great news that the resources held in the archive service are publicly accessible, enabling more people to explore the origins of Cluedo and its Birmingham creators and reflecting our commitment to celebrating the city’s rich and varied history.”
Sara Wajid and Zak Mensah, co-chief executives of Birmingham Museums Trust, said: “We are delighted to be acquiring these items for the city’s history collection.
“They will serve as a tangible reminder that the iconic murder mystery board game Cluedo was invented in Birmingham and of its enduring appeal.
“We are very grateful to Anthony and Elva Pratt’s daughter for this generous donation.”
Find out more about Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery here: https://www.birminghammuseums.org.uk/
Find out more about Birmingham Archive Service here: https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/archives
All records in archives can be accessed via the online catalogue https://calmview.birmingham.gov.uk
