Visiting us
The University of Bristol Theatre Collection is open to all and entry is free.
Opening hours
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 9:30am–5pm
- Wednesday: 9:30am–5pm
- Thursday: 9:30am–5pm
- Friday: 9:30am–5pm
Please note that the Theatre Collection is closed on Saturdays, Sundays, bank holidays and University closure days.
Reading Rooms
If you would like to visit the Theatre Collection to view archive items or undertake research, please email theatre-collection@bristol.ac.uk. We can help you to arrange a visit, confirm dates and times and make retrieval requests for archive materials and library books to consult in our reading rooms. If you are unable to visit, we may be able to assist you remotely with research enquiries. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.
An initial search of our online catalogue prior to contacting us is recommended. Please note that not all our collections are catalogued so after searching online, if you are unable to find what you are looking for or have any further questions, please contact us at theatre-collection@bristol.ac.uk and we will be able to advise you regarding any relevant uncatalogued items.
On arrival
Our Park Row entrance is clearly signed, with black railings outside. Please ring the buzzer for entry (the doors are automatic, so please do not push). A member of staff will be on duty throughout your visit to provide you with the materials you have ordered and answer any questions you may have.
What to bring with you
Paper or digital device for taking notes (pencils are available in the reading room), digital device with camera for taking copies of documents for personal research. There are lockers for storing bags and coats. We allow photography in our reading room for making copies of documents for personal research only and you will be asked to complete a copyright declaration form at the time of your visit. Please see below under ‘Image requests’ for further details.
Retrieval requests
Please note: it is important that you request retrievals before you visit, as we are unable to retrieve items on the day. Some of our material is stored offsite, currently in use for exhibitions or out on loan so it is important to check your requests with us before you visit. To avoid disappointment please email at least two weeks before you intend to visit.
- Accessible toilet with hand washing facilities
- Ramped access to main entrance. Step free access via a lift is available from our entrance lobby to our reading room. Public areas of the building are wheelchair accessible.
- Free Wi-Fi - please ask staff for log on details on arrival
- Free use of lockers for storing coats and bags
We regret that there are no cafe facilities on site, but there are plenty of cafes, sandwich shops and supermarkets nearby.
Photography
Photography (no flash) is allowed for personal research.
Conditions
Images must be for personal research use only and may not be used for reproduction or commercial purposes without the prior agreement and acknowledgement of the copyright holder(s) and the University of Bristol Theatre Collection. The University of Bristol Theatre Collection does not hold copyright for all its holdings and therefore it is the responsibility of the researcher to ensure that copyright is cleared, prior to any material being published. The University of Bristol takes no responsibility for copyright concerning third parties.
Please note: some material cannot be copied due to data protection or other access restrictions. Some items may be deemed too fragile to reproduce and the Theatre Collection reserves the right to make this judgement.
These guidelines have been produced in order to preserve the original and unique items held within our archives, and to respect the needs of all researchers using the Theatre Collection now and in the future.
Please help us by abiding by the rules:
- Lockers are available for use by researchers. Please leave coats, bags, etc in these while you are in the reading room.
- Please do not bring food or drink into the Reading Room or library. If you have a reusable water bottle, please step outside the room if you wish to use it. Bottles may be refilled in our kitchen area.
- Please only use pencils when making research notes.
- Theatre Collection staff will be able to explain how to handle archival material during your visit. Please handle all archival material with care, and wear the nitrile gloves provided, when consulting photographs or photographic negatives.
- Please ensure that you keep archival items, including file contents, in the order in which they were produced. Theatre Collection staff will be able to assist you if you are unclear how to do this.
- Please put your mobile phones to silent while in the reading room.
- Photographs of archival items may be taken for personal research use. Theatre Collection staff will also ask you to complete a copyright declaration form and can advise you if you are requiring images for commercial use or publication in any format.
- Please inform a member of staff when you leave. If the fire alarm sounds while you are in the Theatre Collection, staff will take you to the assembly point via the nearest available fire exit.
Exhibition
Entrance to the Theatre Collection exhibition is free and there is no need to book in advance unless you are planning a visit for more than 10 people. Please see our opening times above and note that last admission is at 4:30pm.
Reference Library
Our main reading room contains a small reference library of books relating to the different archive collections that we hold. These are not for loan but are available for use by researchers in the reading room. The smaller reading room contains a wide range of published plays, which can be accessed by researchers using our reading rooms.
There is a much larger range of books on theatre and theatre history, including biographies, which is held at the main University library. All our library books can be searched for using the University Library Catalogue and ordered in advance of visiting. Please note all rare books are stored off-site and must be requested in advance of your visit.