University of Bristol Theatre Collection

The Theatre Collection was established in 1951 with funds awarded by the Rockefeller Foundation. It is housed in specifically designed strongrooms in Britain’s first Department of Drama at the University of Bristol, a city with a rich theatrical heritage.
Over the past 50 years the Collection has expanded into an internationally renowned research centre, and it attracts visitors from all over the world. At the same time it continues to serve its original purpose as a resource for the staff and students of the Department of Drama, and the Bristol community. Its collections are particularly strong in theatre in the South West, Victorian and post-World War II theatre history, women’s theatre and scenery and costume design.

Collection details

Social History, Photography, Personalities, Performing Arts, Music, Literature, Fine Art, Design, Costume and Textiles, Archives

Key artists and exhibits

• Herbert Beerbohm Tree
• Kathleen Barker
• Ella Burra
• John Clements
• Cicely Courtneidge
• Jack Hulbert
• Frederick Crooke: Artistic collection of the theatre designer who worked closely with Tyrone Guthrie and the London Old Vic Company
• Robert Donat: British film star, known for his role in Goodbye Mr Chips
• John Elvery
• Herbert Farjeon
• Joyce Grenfell
• Records of the London Old Vic Company, Sadlers Wells, Royal Victoria Hall Foundation and the personal collection of Lilian Baylis
• Periodicals and Magazines
• Playbills and Posters: Resource for the study of all aspects of 18th and 19th century entertainment
• Programmes
• Margaret Macnamara: The personal archives of the playwright, whose work was admired by George Bernard Shaw and Tyrone Guthrie
• Richard Southern Print Collection: theatre architecture and stage machinery
• Alan Tagg (1928-2002): Professional design records of the theatre designer responsible for creating the set design of John Osborne's Look Back in Anger
• Ernest Thesiger: Dr Pretorius in 'The Bride of Frankenstein'
• Hermann Vezin
• Welfare State International: Archive of the celebratory theatre company, based in Ulverston in Cumbria
• Peggy Ann Wood
• The Little Theatre
• The Rapier Players
• Ronnie Russell
• Women's Theatre Collection
• Bristol Old Vic Company, based at the Theatre Royal, Bristol
• The Julia Trevelyan Oman design collection
• John Vickers

Collections services

• General guide to collections available
• Object study facilities available (enquire in advance)