Adrian Cairns Collection

Scope and Content

This collection is composed of Adrian Cairns' collection of papers (correspondence, press cuttings, photographs and books) related to the career of actor, director and scenic designer Edward Henry Gordon Craig CH OBE (born Edward Godwin; 1872 - 1966), sometimes known as Gordon Craig.

Administrative / Biographical History

Edward Henry Gordon Craig CH OBE (born Edward Godwin; 16 January 1872 – 29 July 1966), sometimes known as Gordon Craig, was an English modernist theatre practitioner; he worked as an actor, director and scenic designer, as well as developing an influential body of theoretical writings. Craig was the son of actress Dame Ellen Terry.

Adrian Cairns (1924 - 2003) was an actor, broadcaster and drama teacher. He studied at the Old Vic Theatre School then began to act and direct in rep; more than 300 productions followed. He began working in television as an announcer in the late 1950s, and was a Senior Presenter on Tyne Tees Television from 1959-64, alongside frequent work in television and small film roles. In addition to his performance work, he held the positions of Deputy at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School from 1964-80, and Associate Principal from 1980-89.

Arrangement

Fully catalogued to item level

Access Information

Open

DPA may apply to some records

Conditions Governing Use

Copyright assigned to the University of Bristol Theatre Collection

Custodial History

Collected by Adrian Cairns and donated by him to the TC, with a final donation made by his family after his death

Accruals

None expected