Leeds Animation Workshop Archive

The Leeds Animation Workshop archive documents the history and workings of one of Britain’s first all-female animation collectives. The Workshop began in 1976 and is still active, making animations that address various important social issues in an accessible way, from tacking gender inequality in the workplace to the threat of nuclear attack. They have now produced over 40 animated films.

This collection comprises the records created by Leeds Animation Workshop in the course of their filmmaking activities, from 1976 to present day, which includes: production; distribution; training; and screening.

"Leeds Animation Workshop is a not-for-profit, cooperative company, run by women, which produces and distributes animated films and films on social and educational issues. The organisation began in 1976 as a group of women friends who came together to make a film about the need for pre-school childcare. After completing WHO NEEDS NURSERIES? - WE DO! the group was formally established in 1978 as Leeds Animation Workshop. Throughout its history the Workshop has been run by women, who have carried out all stages of the production process, from initial research to final distribution."

[Source: www.leedsanimation.org.uk/about, accessed January 2023].

The collection is currently divided into 3 sub-collections and 15 series within those. These follow the Workshop's own arrangement of their work as it was in the office building at Bayswater Row, Leeds. Further series may be added with future accruals.

This collection is subject to various access conditions. Please see individual catalogue descriptions for further details on access.

In Summer 2022, the paper records of the Leeds Animation Workshop that had accumulated over its forty-year history, were appraised on site in the offices of the Workshop, in Harehills, Leeds. In October 2022, the appraised selection of material, including all the available physical film files from the office's filing cabinet, were transferred to the Special Collections at the Leeds University Library to be catalogued.

Material in this collection is in copyright. Photocopies or digital images can only be supplied by the Library for research or private study within the terms of copyright legislation. It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain the copyright holder's permission to reproduce for any other purpose. Guidance is available on tracing copyright status and ownership.