The University of Bristol Theatre Collection – one of the world’s largest archives of British theatre history and live art – has been officially awarded Designated status by Arts Council England.
The Theatre Collection, founded in 1951, is an Accredited Museum and Accredited Archive Service with collections spanning four centuries. It holds hundreds of thousands of items including archives, artwork, costumes, designs, personal effects, photographs, playbills, posters, props, scripts and even a piece of toast from a 1994 publicity campaign. It also holds the archives of several theatre companies including Bristol Old Vic, Desperate Men and Shakespeare at the Tobacco Factory and the Old Vic in London.
Jo Elsworth, Theatre Collection Director, said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive this esteemed award of designated status from Arts Council England.
“The Theatre Collection is a truly unique archive; it is the culmination of over sixty years support from actors, collectors, designers, directors, performers and writers all of whom have helped us build this remarkable collection.”
Phil Gibby, Area Director, South West, Arts Council England, said: “The outstanding collection is one of the world’s leading collections of British theatre history, and this award is a visible assertion of our belief in its enduring cultural value. The collection helps to deepen our understanding of the world and enriches our lives, which is why we’re so pleased to award it Designation status.”
Arts Council England’s Designation Scheme recognises, celebrates and champions collections of national and international significance held outside national museums. There are now 152 Designated collections all over the country covering an extraordinary diversity and range of subjects spanning vast periods of time encompassing; art, history, literature, science and the natural world.
At Smith Greenfield, we are experts in insuring museum and heritage collections. If you would like to discuss how we could help your museum or heritage organisation, please contact Imran Moideen imran.moideen@smithgreenfield.co.uk or telephone 020 8603 3730.
Photo: The Bristol Hippodrome, Paule Vézelay, 1918, University of Bristol Theatre Collection