L.W. Conolly Theatre Archives Preface

Based on "A Guide to the L.W. Conolly Theatre Archives at the University of Guelph" 3rd print ed.  Edited by L.W. Conolly. © University of Guelph, 1999

Introduction

Theatre Images

Preface to the Guide

In 1999, a new name for the library's theatre archives at the University of Guelph Library was instituted in recognition of the special, indeed the extraordinary, role played by Dr. Leonard Conolly in creating the impetus for and nurturing the development of collecting and preserving the archives of professional theatres in Ontario, starting with those of the Shaw Festival in 1983. Under his leadership as chair of the Drama Department in the 1980s, contacts and discussions with significant Ontario theatres, such as Phoenix and Tarragon in Toronto and the Grand in London, soon led to their boards agreeing to donate what was then a precious but endangered cultural heritage for Canadian drama and theatre. This rich and varied collection, now known as The L.W. Conolly Theatre Archives, has become a major resource used by Guelph faculty and students, by many researchers in Canada, and indeed by scholars from around the world.

With Dr. Conolly’s help, encouragement and leadership, the range and extent of the theatre archives at the University of Guelph Library has grown to the point where it now encompasses some 130 individual archival and special collections. It represents the largest such collection anywhere in Canada. In addition to major theatres in regional centres such as Hamilton, London, Ottawa and Toronto, a great many smaller Ontario companies such as the Blyth Festival, Buddies In Bad Times, Native Earth Performing Arts and Le Theatre Francais de Toronto, are represented in the collection. As well, many individuals have generously donated their own personal papers and materials: our library is much richer with holdings from William Hutt, Richard Rose, Judith Thompson, Hilary Corbett, Cameron Porteous, Tony van Bridge, Neil Munro and others. The archives of many companies, alas no longer in operation, have been added and preserved.

The library is indebted to Dr. Eugene Benson, University Professor Emeritus and co-editor with Leonard Conolly of the landmark Oxford Companion to Canadian Theatre for his suggestion to name the theatre archives after Dr. Conolly. The Introduction to this Guide, which follows, was created long before Leonard Conolly had any idea that the University of Guelph was going to recognize him. Dr. Conolly's ongoing activities, together with those of our faculty, continue to pave the way for more collections of quality and importance to be offered to Guelph.