Royal Academy of Dance



Guide to the Archives & Special Collections housed in the Philip Richardson Library at the Royal Academy of DanceThe archives and special collections in the Philip Richardson Library comprise the following three categories:The RAD Heritage Archive – records preserving the history and development of the RAD;Personal archives – collections acquired from individuals directly or indirectly related to the RAD;Special collections – materials artificially grouped 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 materials may be found in some of the personal archives and special collections. RAD Heritage ArchiveThe RAD Heritage archive dates from 1921- the first year of the Association’s operations and these early records include notes and reports for the earliest AGM’s as well as some examinations correspondence and certificates signed by all the original members of the committee from the very first examinations sessions on May 9th & 10th, 1921. The 1920s was a period of intense activity including development of both the Major and Children’s Examination syllabi; the first public performances by members of the Association, the purchase of our first premises; the introduction of the first scholarships; the first overseas examinations and our first Royal Patron. This period was well documented in the Dancing Times but is supported by some early original documents in the archive. See also the Dorothy Chaplin, Theresa Heyman and Sissie Smith collections. In the 1930s activities continued to expand and the introduction of the Gazette in November 1930 meant that much was documented and is available in published form. Archive material from this period is concentrated on the setting up of a Grand Council, petitioning for a Royal Charter and establishing the bye-laws.See also the Sissie Smith collection.From then on the main records series and types of records preserved in the archive are:Premises & Buildings Minutes from various committees and sub-committee meetingsAnnual reports and associated documentsExaminations syllabi material (publications)Syllabus development materialArtistic projects filesProgrammes from special events, awards and performancesTeacher training programme course materials & brochuresPhotographs & video footageOverseas developmentRegional activities Objective of the Heritage ArchiveThe Academy’s Heritage archive serves as the memory bank for the organisation providing a unique and valuable resource for historical or other research. The objective of the archive is to preserve evidence of past business activities and the strategies or decision –making process underpinning those activities. The archive should help us understand how the past has contributed to where we are today, documenting the people, communities and stories that have enriched our heritage to date.Contributing to the Heritage ArchiveAll RAD departments are responsible for contributing records to the Heritage Archives. The official retention schedules should indicate where records have been designated for transfer to the Heritage Archive and other material may also be accepted if it conforms to the Guidelines for Archival Selection Criteria Personal ArchivesThese 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 a number of 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. 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. Objective of the Personal ArchivesThe personal archives allow for supplementary material generated by individuals associated with, but not necessarily employed by, the RAD to be collected and housed alongside the Heritage Archive. They provide contextual information about the individuals and their activities, as well as the cultural environment in which the RAD has developed and are a valuable research resource. For further information about the scope of the Library’s collecting remit in this area please refer to the Collection Development Policy (available soon!) Acquisition of Personal ArchivesThe Library may acquire personal archives through bequest or donation – please refer to the Bequests and Donations Policy (available soon!) for further information. Special CollectionsThe special collections encompass materials that have been artificially grouped to provide a convenient resource on a particular subject (usually an individual artist or company), or a collection of material types such as photographs, programmes or rare books. Subject-based collections include resources on Tamara Karsavina and Margot Fonteyn, both important figures in the RAD’s history. Collections of material relating to Anna Pavlova and Serge Diaghilev and their companies provide important contextual information about the ballet scene at the time the RAD was founded. Objective of the Special CollectionsThis category allows for material that is neither part of the RAD Heritage Archive nor significant enough on its own to constitute a unique personal archive, to be incorporated into existing collections, enhancing the research value of library resources in general. Acquisition of Special CollectionsThe Library may acquire material for the special collections through bequest or donation – please refer to the Bequests and Donations Policy (available soon!) for further information. ................
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