Visiting us
The University of Bristol Theatre Collection is open to all and entry is free.
Opening hours
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 9:30 am–5 pm
- Wednesday: 9:30 am–5 pm
- Thursday: 9:30 am–5 pm
- Friday: 9:30 am–5 pm
Please note that the Theatre Collection is closed on Saturdays, Sundays, bank holidays and University closure days.
Reading Room
If you would like to visit the Theatre Collection to view archive items or undertake research, email theatre-collection@bristol.ac.uk. We can help you to arrange a visit, confirm dates and times and take requests to view material including books from our reference library. 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 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, water bottle if required. We allow photography in our reading room for making copies of documents for personal research only.
Retrieval requests
Due to staffing levels we ask that you request retrievals before you visit. Please note that 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.
Facilities
- Toilets and disabled toilet with hand washing facilities
- Step free access via a lift is available from our entrance lobby to our reading room, and public areas of the building are wheelchair accessible
- Table space and electric sockets available for digital devices
- Free Wi-Fi
We regret that we do not have any publicly available spaces for eating or drinking on site. We allow readers to bring a sealed container of water which can be refilled and drunk away from reading room tables. There are cafes, sandwich shops and supermarkets in the local area.
Image requests
Photography
Photography (no flash) is allowed (£3 flat rate per day) at the discretion of Theatre Collection staff.
Scanning
Subject to availability, researchers may use the scanning facility at the Theatre Collection to produce electronic copies. We may also be able to offer a service to scan items for you.
- Scanning charges: £3 flat rate per day.
- University of Bristol staff and students: Free
- Onsite scanning service charges: £3 for the first scan; £0.50 for each additional scan.
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.
You must complete our copyright permission form before any photographs are taken or copies are made. Some material must not 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. Copies of your scans will be backed up in our image bank.
Reading Room Rules
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, and there is a £3 daily charge for using a camera in the reading room. 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 4pm.
Reference Library
All our library books can be searched for using the Bristol University Library webpages and ordered in advance of visiting, and visitors are welcome to browse the shelves when on site. Please note all rare books are stored off-site and must be requested in advance of your visit.
Find us
Our publicly accessible entrance is located on Park Row:
University of Bristol Theatre Collection
Library Services
Vandyck Building
21 Park Row
Bristol
BS1 5LT
Travel information
Find out how to get to the University.
Accommodation
Looking to stay overnight? Read more about where to stay.