Barry Jackson photographic collection

Display photographs of plays produced by Barry Jackson at various London theatres between 1930 and 1933. Also albums of photographs of plays produced by Barry Jackson at various London theatres between 1926 and 1928. Some of these plays were new productions, others were transfers from Birmingham. Photographers include Pollard Crowther and Stage Photo Co

Sir Barry Jackson was the owner and founder of the Birmingham Repertory Theatre. He had formed an amateur company called the Pilgrim Players, the success of which led to the creation of the Birmingham Repertory Theatre in 1913. This was the first purpose built repertory theatre and was home to the Birmingham Repertory Company. Jackson's Birmingham Rep had a wide repertoire, including innovative modern dress Shakespeare, Greek drama, and modern experimental drama. Many of the plays transferred to London or abroad. Jackson had an eye for young talent, and gave valuable experience to many actors, including Laurence Olivier, Peggy Ashcroft, Edith Evans, Ralph Richardson, Julie Christie, and Derek Jacobi. He transferred to the Shakespeare Memorial Theatre Company at Stratford in 1946, and though he returned to Birmingham Rep in 1948, he retired from running the company. Jackson died in 1961.

This archive collection is available for consultation in the V&A Blythe House Archive and Library Study Room by appointment only. Full details of access arrangements may be found here: http://www.vam.ac.uk/content/articles/a/archives/.

Access to some of the material may be restricted. These are noted in the catalogue where relevant.

Information on copying and commercial reproduction may be found here: http://www.vam.ac.uk/content/articles/a/archives/.

This collection was appraised in line with the collection management policy.

No further accruals are expected.

See also the core collections of the V&A Department of Theatre and Performance. Material relating to Barry Jackson as well as 20th century theatre in general may be found in several collections, including the biographical, productions, company and photographs files.

Please ask for details.