The University of Surrey Archives and Special Collections have recently completed the cataloguing of the Geraldine Stephenson Archive and to celebrate and promote the archive, are hosting an event on Tuesday 22nd October between 5pm-7pm at the University Library.
Booking essential – please book here https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/geraldine-stephenson-archive-launch-tickets-72373341613
Please see full invitation and schedule for the evening below:
Geraldine Stephenson Archive Launch
Tuesday 22nd October 2019, 17:00-19:00
University of Surrey Library, Guildford
You are invited to an event to launch the recently preserved and catalogued archive of movement artist Geraldine Stephenson (1925-2017). The archive comprises Stephenson’s personal papers and documents related to her career, and completion of work on the collection and online catalogue means it is now available for researchers to explore.
Geraldine Stephenson was one of a core group of artists and apprentices who trained with pioneer movement theorist Rudolf Laban at the Art of Movement Studio in Manchester in its early years in the 1940s and who then worked with and developed his theories through their work. She was a dancer, teacher and producer but became best known for her role as a choreographer and movement director in theatre, TV and film; she is believed to be the first person credited as a movement director.
Significant material in the collection includes: notes from her studies at the Art of Movement Studio; handwritten dance sequences and stage directions; material reflecting long working relationships with companies and individuals; scrapbooks; teaching notes; solo dance recital photographs and working papers for large-scale pageants and community events.
Come and hear more about the collection and its research potential and learn about Geraldine’s fascinating career.
This celebratory event will be held in the Library at the University of Surrey and will include:
17:00-17:30 Display of items from the Geraldine Stephenson Archive
Archives and Special Collections Research Room, Ground Level, University Library
17:30-18:30 Welcome from Helen Roberts, Archives and Special Collections Manager and Caroline Thomas, Director of Library and Learning Support Services
Presentation by Kelly Burchmore, Project Archivist for the Geraldine Stephenson Archive
Presentation by Dr Dick McCaw, Senior Lecturer in Drama and Theatre at Royal Holloway, University of London and personal friend of Geraldine’s Bellairs Training Room, Level 1, University Library
18:30-19:00 Drinks Reception and Networking Bellairs Training Room, Level 1, University Library
Book at:https://www.eventbrite.com/e/geraldine-stephenson-archive-launch-tickets-72373341613
Please contact archives@surrey.ac.uk if you have any questions about the event or collection.