University of the Arts London

Home

Skip primary navigation Skip secondary navigation

Archive FAQs

The Stanley Kubrick Archive

What is the Stanley Kubrick Archive?

The Archive is the embodiment of Stanley Kubrick's remarkable career in film and arts. The Archive includes scripts, production notes, research, correspondence, storyboards, annotated books, sketches, photographs, 35mm film and out takes, videotapes, scores, sound recordings, models, set designs, props, costumes, lighting plans, equipment and memorabilia.

Where has it been housed till now?

Until now, the collection has been stored at the Kubrick family estate in Hertfordshire.

Why is it important that his Archive is preserved?

One of the key cultural collections of the second half of the 20th Century, the Archive has profound significance for late 20th Century British cultural history. Kubrick worked with many influential and talented individuals during his 40 years in England. His themes are still relevant for our times, including war, nuclear threat, urban breakdown, crime, youth gangs, technological change, artificial intelligence, space exploration and changing sexual mores. He maintained an unprecedented degree of control over his films and, unlike the vast majority of directors working in the studio system, he was able to hold on to the materials generated by his rigorous and detailed pre-production and production work. In the studio system, such items are usually destroyed or cannibalised for subsequent films. Surviving against the odds, these unique and multifaceted materials form an extensive and unusually complete collection, providing an extraordinary level of insight into the times in which he worked and the creative process itself.

University of the Arts London

Where is the Archive now?

The Stanley Kubrick Archive is held at the University Archives and Special Collections Centre, London College of Communication at the Elephant & Castle.

When did the Archive arrive at the University?

The Archive arrived at the University during the first week of March 2007.

Why has the Archive come to University of the Arts London?

The family of Stanley Kubrick feel that locating the Archives at a major university in London will ensure the widest exposure and guarantee access to students, researchers, inspiring filmmakers and the general public.

Kubrick's widow, Christiane Kubrick said: "The films of Stanley Kubrick are the primary things known by the public. His Archives have a depth and breadth that we wanted to make available so that future generations have an understanding of the way that Stanley worked. Stanley spent most of his life in the UK and we are very happy that the Archives will be located in London at a university that values, promotes and reflects the diversity of his interests. We are also grateful to Warner Bros. in Los Angeles, the principal studio Stanley worked with, for all their support."

What will happen to the Archive now it's at the University?

The material will be preserved in a new state-of-the-art facility. Over time, it will be catalogued and finding aids will be compiled to prepare it for public and University use. Items from the collection may be loaned for exhibition purposes, subject to certain terms and conditions.

What is the University Archives and Special Collections Centre?

Based at London College of Communication in Elephant & Castle, the Centre is a state-of-the-art University facility which will preserve, enhance and promote the rich and varied collections of the University.

Read more about the Centre

Back to top

Access to the Stanley Kubrick Archive

When will the Archive be open to the public?

It is planned that the Archive will be open to the public from October 2007. While cataloguing is in process, access will be limited and will be developed over a number of years.

Will the Archive be available online?

Aspects of the Archive will be represented online through selected digitisation of material, for example through e-learning tools. The catalogue and finding aids will be published online as they are developed.

Will access to the Archive be free?

Yes. However, charges may be made for copying and additional services.

When and how can journalists access the Archive?

Journalists are requested to contact the University Archives and Special Collections Centre Manager to discuss their requirements in advance of their visit.

What are the opening times of the Archive?

The Archive opening times are 1pm - 4pm, Tuesday - Friday
As the Archive is still in the early stages, it will be helpful to you, and us, if you call ahead to speak to us about your visit.

Can visitors photocopy, photograph or make notes from the items they find in the Archive?

Visitors can make notes, using a pencil. All photocopying and photography requests must be referred to a member of staff who will advise as to whether this is viable, considering the condition and preservation needs of the items and Data Protection issues.

Can items be removed from the Archive?

No. Organisations who wish to discuss loans for exhibition are asked to contact the University Archives and Special Collections Centre Manager.

Do visitors need prior permission to view the Archive?

In most cases, no prior permission is needed. We will ask you to complete and sign a visitor registration form and comply with conditions of access. This is to ensure the collection is handled correctly and preserved as much as possible, while making it available to researchers and the public. Some items are closed, which means they are unavailable for a long period of time due to Data Protection issues.

Is access restricted to academics?

No, all those with a research, educational or general interest are welcome to visit the Archive.

Back to top

What next?

What are the future plans for the Archive?

The Archive will be unpacked, stored appropriately, catalogued and made available for use. This is a complex process that we estimate will take three years. The University is planning to celebrate the rich diversity of the Archive through a series of events, screenings and talks over the forthcoming months.

Who can I contact to find out more?

  • For media enquiries only
    Zoe Ellsmore in the University press office
    Email:  z.ellsmore@arts.ac.uk
    Tel: 020 7514 6094

Back to top

© 2012 University of the Arts London All Rights Reserved.