Bill Douglas Centre for the History of Cinema and Popular Culture

The Bill Douglas Centre opened in 1997 as part of the University of Exeter's developing film studies programme. The museum is dedicated to the history of the moving image. The Centre also includes a research centre where items from the library and the reserve collections can be consulted. The founding collection was established by Scottish film-maker Bill Douglas, and was given to the University after his death in 1991.

Additional info

Public access to the library is dependent on (free) registration as a member of the research centre.

Guided tours must be arranged in advance.

The Centre houses one of the largest collections of film- and cinema-related memorabilia in the UK, including Disney toys, posters, film stills, sheet music, postcards, campaign material and an extensive library. The collections also represent the wealth of Victorian optical entertainments, including shadow puppets, magic lanterns, panoramas, zoetropes and peepshows. Items not on display can be consulted in the research centre, which is open Monday to Friday, 10am-5pm.

Collection details

Archives, Film and Media, Literature, Performing Arts, Personalities, Photography, Social History

Key artists and exhibits

• Charlie Chaplin, Greta Garbo, cinema studios, Star Wars, blockbusters, Lumiere cinematographe, Alfred Hitchcock, Hollywood, silent cinema, magic lanterns, panoramas, optical toys