Leeds Animation Workshop Archive
Details
Type of record: Archive
Title: Leeds Animation Workshop Archive
Classmark: MS 2267
Related People: Terry Wragg()
Date(s): 1972 - 2020
Language: English
Size and medium: 122 boxes
Persistent link: https://explore.library.leeds.ac.uk/special-collections-explore/731361
Collection group(s): Leeds Animation Workshop
Description
The Leeds Animation Workshop (LAW) archive documents the history and workings of Britain’s first all-female led animation collective. The Workshop began in 1978 and is still active, working from a terraced house in the Harehills area of Leeds. The workshop produces films that address various important social issues using animation to tackle sometimes difficult subjects in an approachable way. Topics covered include, among others: Racism, sexism, homophobia, inequality in the workplace, Global environmental issues and family topics such as grief. They have now produced over 40 animated films. This collection comprises the records created by Leeds Animation Workshop in the course of their filmmaking activities, from 1976 to present day, which includes: production; distribution; training; and screening.
This archive includes the following series.
Administration: This series documents the everyday workings of an animation workshop and women's collective. It includes-
- Financial Records
- Funding applications
- Meeting minutes
- Distribution of LAW films
- Other activities such as education and exhibition
Film Projects: Files and items relating to the animation process and films. This includes-
- Research files
- Film files, these contain papers relating to specific projects such as correspondence financial information and planning documents
- Audio Visual materials including 16mm film reels, VHS, DVD and CDs (Please note that it may not be possible to access some of these formats due to equipment needs or conservation requirements)
- Animation artworks including preparatory drawings and sketches
- Storyboards and scripts
- Dope sheets and dubbing charts.
- Printed publicity materials such as brochures, VHS covers and flyers
Networks and Publicity: Files and printed material that demonstrate the networks of organisations that Leeds Animation Workshop existed within and the media presence of the workshop. It includes-
- Reviews and Articles
- Files related to allied organisations such as trade unions
- Printed Material such as film catalogues, film festival programmes and third party publicity
Biography or history
"Leeds Animation Workshop is a not-for-profit, cooperative company, run by women, which produces and distributes animated films and films on social and educational issues. The organisation began in 1976 as a group of women friends who came together to make a film about the need for pre-school childcare. After completing WHO NEEDS NURSERIES? - WE DO! the group was formally established in 1978 as Leeds Animation Workshop. Throughout its history the Workshop has been run by women, who have carried out all stages of the production process, from initial research to final distribution."
[Source: www.leedsanimation.org.uk/about, accessed January 2023].
Provenance
In Summer 2022, the paper records of the Leeds Animation Workshop that had accumulated over its forty-year history, were appraised on site in the offices of the Workshop, in Harehills, Leeds. In October 2022, the appraised selection of material, including all the available physical film files from the office's filing cabinet, were transfered to the Special Collections at the Leeds University Library to be catalogued.
System of arrangement
The collection is currently divided into 3 sub-collections and 15 series within those. These follow the Workshop's own arrangement of their work as it was in the office building at Bayswater Row, Leeds. Further series may be added with future accruals.
Access and usage
Reproduction
Access
This collection is subject to various access conditions. Please see individual catalogue descriptions for further details on access.
Material in this collection is in copyright. Photocopies or digital images can only be supplied by the Library for research or private study within the terms of copyright legislation. It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain the copyright holder's permission to reproduce for any other purpose. Guidance is available on tracing copyright status and ownership.
On our website
Collection guide: Leeds Animation Workshop Collection Guide
The Leeds Animation Workshop archive, held in Leeds Unversity Special Collections, documents the history and workings of Britain’s first all-female led animation collective beginning in 1978.