SATTF archive finds a new home at the University of Bristol

The Goddess Juno - Jonathan Nibbs, The Tempest (2010). Prop maker Geoff Sims & Photo Graham Burke

Shakespeare at the Tobacco Factory (SATTF) has donated a fascinating archive of material including props, prompt scripts and photos from every production from the past 13 years to the University of Bristol Theatre Collection, one of the world's largest theatre collections dedicated to British Theatre history.

The archive comprises dozens of files of material from productions staged by the company. The props donated include the Goddess Masks from, The Tempest (pictured above), Bottom's donkey mask and the changeling puppet from, A Midsummer Night's Dream (2010). Since its inception in 2000, SATTF has produced 25 Shakespeare plays as well as three by Chekhov, one by Molière and a Jacobean tragedy. The archive was moved into the Theatre Collection's premises on Park Row, Bristol on, Wednesday 30 January and will soon be made accessible to the public by appointment. 

"We are delighted that the records, such as they are – prompt scripts, photographs, designs and a number of props – of our ephemeral art are going to find a permanent home at the University of Bristol Theatre Collection.  It will cover nearly thirty productions from our very first in February 2000 and will be added to year by year."
Andrew Hilton, Artistic Director of Shakespeare at the Tobacco Factory 

"We are very honoured that this prestigious theatre company’s archive has been donated to us.  It will help bring the long and illustrious story of Bristol’s theatrical heritage right up to date and, once again, show that Bristol is at the forefront of producing high quality theatre.  The archive provides a unique insight into the company’s work and will soon be made available to anyone who wishes to consult it.” 
Jo Elsworth, Director of the University of Bristol Theatre Collection