The BFI National Archive, located at the BFI National Archive Conservation Centre, is a treasure trove of film and screen heritage. Thanks to a grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, a major project called ‘Audit to Access’ is underway to undertake an audit of un-accessioned paper collections connected to film and screen heritage. This project is a significant step towards opening up access to the national collection, aligning with the BFI’s long-term ambition outlined in their 10-year strategy, Screen Culture 2023. The grant of £249,389 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund allows the BFI to recruit a dedicated team to carry out a strategic collection review for a subset of the BFI National Archive’s paper collections.
Understanding the National Collection
The ‘Audit to Access’ project will contribute to building a comprehensive understanding of the national collection preserved at the BFI National Archive Conservation Centre. By reviewing un-accessioned paper collections, the BFI’s Knowledge, Learning, and Collections teams aim to determine conservation needs, identify new archival narratives, and uncover hidden and unknown histories within the archived screen heritage. This ambitious project will provide a more complete picture of the collections than ever before.
The Role of the ‘Audit to Access’ Project
The primary objective of the ‘Audit to Access’ project is to deliver an end-to-end box-level audit of the identified paper collections. This comprehensive and meticulous review will ensure an accurate inventory, aiding in the planning and development of collections management strategies. By gaining a deeper understanding of the collection, the BFI will be better equipped to provide continued care and ultimately enable greater access to the national collection for the British public.
Uncovering Hidden Stories of UK Filmmaking
The BFI National Archive houses a wealth of material related to UK filmmaking, including papers from notable filmmakers such as Gurinder Chadha, John Krish, and Nichola Bruce. It also holds material related to hidden or key crew and craft roles, shining a spotlight on the contributions of individuals like casting director Mary Selway and on-set medic Joy Maxwell Davis. The ‘Audit to Access’ project aims to surface more of these hidden hands and minds that go into UK filmmaking, shedding light on the diverse and collaborative nature of the industry.
Engaging with the Community
In addition to the collection review activity, the ‘Audit to Access’ project also aims to engage with the community through volunteer opportunities. In the second year of the project, a freelance Volunteer and Outreach consultant will be recruited to develop opportunities for community volunteers to participate in the collection review activity. This community involvement will not only provide valuable assistance but also create a sense of shared ownership and appreciation for the national collection.
The Impact of ‘Audit to Access’
The ‘Audit to Access’ project aligns with the BFI’s responsibility to understand and interpret the BFI National Archive collections. By gaining a deeper understanding of the collections, the BFI can better meet the public’s interest in engaging with their screen heritage. The project also positions the BFI National Archive for a future where there are more opportunities for creative use of and public access to the national collections.
About the BFI and The National Lottery Heritage Fund
Founded in 1933, the BFI is a cultural charity and the UK’s lead organization for film and the moving image. The BFI’s mission includes supporting creativity, caring for the BFI National Archive, offering a wide range of UK and international moving image culture, and deepening public appreciation and understanding of film and the moving image. The BFI Board of Governors is chaired by Tim Richards.
The National Lottery Heritage Fund is the largest dedicated funder of the UK’s heritage. Their vision is for heritage to be valued, cared for, and sustained for everyone. Over the next ten years, they aim to invest £3.6 billion raised for good causes by National Lottery players to bring about benefits for people, places, and the natural environment.
Through the ‘Audit to Access’ project, the BFI National Archive continues its vital work of preserving and providing access to the rich heritage of film and screen. With the support of The National Lottery Heritage Fund, this project will further enhance the understanding and appreciation of UK filmmaking culture, ensuring its preservation for future generations.