Archives of acclaimed director Stanley Kubrick to be housed at University of the Arts London

University of the Arts London is delighted to announce that the extensive archives of the late acclaimed filmmaker Stanley Kubrick will be housed at University of the Arts London. The archive is expected to be open in 2007. The Archives are one of the world's most comprehensive collections of materials relating to film production comprising scripts, treatments, drafts, extensive working and research documents, correspondence, costumes, props, models, production schedules, photography, books and film equipment.

Director Steven Spielberg said:

"In the whole history of movies, there has been nothing like Kubrick's vision. It was a vision of hope and wonder, of grace and of mystery, of humour and contradictions. It was a gift to us, and now it's a legacy. I am pleased to hear that his archives are going to University of the Arts London, which will ensure his legacy and vision are kept alive. His work will continue to inspire future generations of filmmakers to take risks and to push the boundaries of film."

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."  

The Archives will be secured in a new purpose-built Archives and Special Collections Centre on the campus of London College of Communication (LCC), based at Elephant & Castle in South London. One of the five Colleges of University of the Arts London, LCC has an exceptional track record and strong tradition in film, photography and sound. Providing a state of the art research facility for over 20,000 students and the public, University of the Arts London will ensure the archives are preserved and on display for posterity. They will be accessible for the advancement of research, teaching and practice in all aspects of filmmaking, associated disciplines and the arts.

Sir Michael Bichard, Rector of University of the Arts London, said:

"We are delighted that the Kubrick Archives will be coming to the University. Stanley Kubrick was a master of film and one of the greatest directors of all time and was also a skilled researcher and collector. The rich collections of his Archives demonstrate his illustrious achievements as an artist, which extend well beyond film, to include photography, costume design, scenography, drawing and much more. Our goal is to ensure that his life's work inspires future generations."  

University of the Arts London has embarked on an international campaign to raise the significant funds required to accommodate, maintain and promote the archive, and will be seeking an endowment to support the Kubrick Archives in perpetuity. The University plans an extensive and ongoing programme of events, exhibitions and film festivals in order to bring the rich materials of Stanley Kubrick's life and his collection to the widest public.

Previously unseen objects and documents from the archives form part of a major touring exhibition that has visited Frankfurt (2004) and Berlin (2005) and opens in Melbourne, Australia on 24th November 2005, followed by Rome, Italy in April 2006. Taschen has also published a major book The Stanley Kubrick Archives, edited by Alison Castle.

For press enquiries:
Please contact Garfield Myrie on +44 (0) 20 7514 6218,  or email g.myrie@arts.ac.uk

For general enquiries:
Archives and Special Collections Centre
archive-enquiries@arts.ac.uk
Tel: 020 514 9330