On Thursday December 1^st 2022 ten '1904' members, lead by Dr. Paul Main (Convenor of 1904's Cultural Expeditions Group) visited the Bristol University Theatre Collection, just a stone’s throw from the Red Lodge - home of BRISTOL 1904 ARTS.

We had an excellent presentation from the curator revealing fascinating aspects of the history of the Bristol Theatre Royal.

Afterward we enjoyed a fine lunch at the Flour House opposite the Theatre Collection.  For '1904' members: if anyone would like to see some of their wonderful collection please contact Paul Main.

The Theatre Collection is one of the world’s largest archives of British theatre history and Live Art. It was founded in 1951 to support the establishment of Drama as an academic discipline in the UK and has grown to become one of the world’s leading collections relating to the history of British theatre and live art.

The Theatre Collection comprises over 140 named collections and archives, including actors and collectors Raymond Mander and Joe Mitchenson.  It also holds artworks, audio visual material, costumes, designs, set models, playbills and programmes of this most ephemeral of art forms. 

The collections are particularly strong from the late 18th century onwards and document life both onstage and offstage, providing a unique insight into theatre and live art, their creative processes and broader cultural contexts.

For more information, please checkout the University's YouTube video, linked HERE