The Association of Performing Arts Collections (APAC) is the Subject Specialist Network of performing arts collections in the UK and Ireland.
Its members – museums, archives, libraries, organisations, and individuals – meet regularly to discuss issues and share ideas and information.
APAC provides an email discussion forum, study days on specialist topics, and collaborative projects. It is the UK affiliate of SIBMAS, the International Association of Libraries and Museums of the Performing Arts.
Architect-engineer Edwin O Sachs on skeleton stage bridges during the remodelling of the Royal Opera House stage, 1900-1901. From: Edwin O Sachs Photographic Collection, Royal Opera House Collections
Maria Callas as Violetta in Act I of ‘La traviata’ (1957/58 revival) at the Royal Opera House. From: Roger Wood Photographic Collection, Royal Opera House Collections
Storyboard of ‘Henry V’ from Kenneth Branagh’s film adaptation, Renaissance Films, 1988. From: Shakespeare Institute Library, University of Birmingham
Toy theatre print of William Macready as Count Florinski in ‘The Exiles of Siberia’, published by O.Hodgson, 1831. From: Roy Waters Theatre Collection, Archives, Royal Holloway, University of London
Exterior of the Royal Albert Hall at its opening on 29 March 1871. From: Royal Albert Hall Archive
Joseph Grimaldi, the first modern clown and star performer of Sadler’s Wells in the early 19th century. From: Sadler’s Wells Theatre Archive, Islington Local History Centre
Costume design by Jeannetta Cochrane for Yvonne Arnaud in ‘Love for Love’ by William Congreve, Phoenix Theatre, London, 1943. From: Central Saint Martins Museum and Study Collection
Sadler’s Aquatic Theatre, 1809. From: Sadler’s Wells Theatre Archive, Islington Local History Centre
Hero’s wedding dress, ‘Much Ado About Nothing’, New Shakespeare Company, 1963. Costume design by David Walker. From: Shakespeare Institute Library, University of Birmingham
Lisa Ullmann (right) teaching. Photograph: Roland Watkins. From: Laban Library & Archive, Trinity Laban
The weird sisters played by Susie Jenkinson, Philippa Gail, and Pauline Menear in a tour of ‘Macbeth’, 1978. From: Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre
Choreographer Frederick Ashton’s message in one of G.B.L. Wilson’s car journeys visitors books. From: GBL Wilson Archive Collection, Royal Academy of Dance, Philip Richardson Library
APAC Reports
Reports on London’s SIBMAS Conference and the Theatrical Prints Study Day launch this section in Resources.