•  Deed of Gift of Money, Artefacts, Records, etc.


The SBW Foundation is custodian of a large accumulation of archives and manuscripts which are of considerable historical significance for the study of the performing arts in Australia. These archives and manuscripts are in the process of being catalogued over several years in a collaborative project with NIDA, the National Institute of Dramatic Art in Sydney, with the object of establishing archival control of both collections, preserving them and making them accessible to the wider community through the internet.

The SBW Foundation collections include both archives of performing arts organizations and the personal papers of prominent theatrical figures. Pre-eminent amongst the personal papers are the John West Archives which comprise a unique accumulation of correspondence, research manuscripts, theatre programmes, newspaper reviews and long-play gramophone disks used in the production of his weekly radio broadcasts of “The Showman” and “Sentimental Journey”, for the ABC between 1949 and 1994, and for the publication of John West’s book Theatre in Australia (1978). The series of newspaper clippings in the John West Archives, principally arranged by performing arts venue, with some production company categories, is undoubtedly one of the most important cumulations of theatrical and show business reviews and critiques in Australia, and perfectly compliments the theatre programme collection.

An extensive collection of archives, manuscripts, photographic prints and Sydney Opera House theatre programmes, formerly in the custody of the Denis Wolansky Library and Archives of the Performing Arts at the Sydney Opera House, and now deposited with the SBW Foundation is awaiting detailed cataloguing and will take several years to complete. Other smaller, though not less important collections of great potential research value for the history of the performing arts in Australia which have been acquired by the SBW Foundation include

• collections of annotated theatre programmes and press reviews assembled and written by theatre critics Fred Blanks and Norman Kessell, the latter founder and “Chief Glug” of an informal group of theatre lovers known as “The Glugs” dedicated to the promotion and recognition of Australian theatre.

• Personal manuscript diary of James Cassius Williamson recorded on an overseas visit to England, Europe and North America in 1909 to preview theatrical productions suitable for Australia, including original programmes of performances attended by J.C. Williamson.

• Papers of Robert (“Bobby”) Watson (1861 – 1945), veteran comedian and actor, and author of Fifty Years Behind The Scenes. Being the Reminiscences of Bobby Watson. Australia’s Favourite Comedian (1924)

• Archives of the Friends of the Independent Theatre

• Robert Levis Collection. Robert Levis, an actor who directed many shows at the Independent Theatre and worked with Doris Fitton, left all of his papers and personal effects with Craig Maxwell Hallinan, who transferred custody of them on “indefinite loan” to the SBW Foundation in 1998.