RAD archives catalogue
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The collections comprise the institutional heritage archives alongside the personal archives of notable figures in the history of British ballet, and special collections arranged by subject or material type. Together they represent a rich source of material predominantly covering the development of British ballet teaching and performance from the 1920s onwards. Earlier material may be found in some of the personal archives and special collections.
The catalogue is a work-in-progress and more records will be added on a regular basis.
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Personal Archive Collections
Identity area
Reference code
Publication status
Published
Level of description
Sub fonds
Extent and medium
300 boxes
Date(s)
- 1760s-2020s (Creation)
Context area
Content and structure area
Scope and content
These include the significant, personal collections of RAD founders Adeline Genée, Phyllis Bedells and Philip Richardson which provide further insight into the lives and careers of these important figures. The GBL Wilson photographic archive provides a unique overview of the British Ballet scene between 1940 and 1980 and includes several RAD functions and events. The author and book designer Peter L. Moldon researched extensively on Margot Fonteyn and his papers include many notes on performances, article proofs and photographs as well as the full unpublished manuscript for his stage biography on Fonteyn. Beryl Grey’s personal collection of photographs and press cuttings provide an overview of her extensive career, while less extensive personal archives include materials from early RAD Members and teachers Dorothy Chaplin, Theresa Heyman and Sissie Smith, which complement the RAD Heritage Archive. Recent acquisitions include the Dancing Times photographic archive which complements and extends the photographic coverage of the existing photo collections, and the Kenneth MacMillan archive collection documenting the life and career of one of British ballets most important and influential choreographers.
Conditions of access and use area
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