In association with the London Metropolitan Archives, CASP is pleased to make available three short films curated and made by the London Metropolitan Archives (LMA) as part of its 2013 exhibit, “Shakespeare and London” (see Shakespeare and London Programme).
Sincere thanks to London Metropolitan Archives Archivist David Baldwin for making these informative films available to CASP in conjunction with the CASP-organized conference, “Look here upon this picture:” A Symposium on the Sanders Portrait of Shakespeare (November 28, 2013).
We also thank Principal Archivist, Laurence Ward and Imaging and Media Officer, Richard Green for the instrumental roles they played in the filming, editing, and narration of these films, the first to document in any detail Shakespeare’s presence in London.
The three films address:
1. Shakespeare in the City (of London)
From memorials to street names, statues to tower blocks, William Shakespeare is present in London in ways that very few people achieve. This film explores his on-going presence in the landscape of the city.
2. The Shakespeare Deed
Providing more information on the deed and property William Shakespeare purchased, this short film shows close up views of the document and signature, images and maps of the Blackfriars area as well as present day views of the location.
3. Theatres in Shakespeare’s London
Starting with the playhouses that Shakespeare would have known and worked in, this film looks at the development of London’s theatres with a particular focus on theatres and companies developed to showcase his plays.
These detail Shakespeare’s general presence in London and include a focus on the remarkable deed held by the LMA that relates to the 1613 purchase by William Shakespeare of a property in Blackfriars, close to the Blackfriars Theatre and just across the river from the Globe Theatre. They also lay out in detail the specifics of where Shakespeare lived during his time in London and the ex of his involvement with different theatres in different locations across the city.
Copyright of these films is held by the London Metropolitan Archives and they are not to be copied, disseminated, or distributed without the express permission of the London Metropolitan Archives. CASP gratefully acknowledges the LMA’s permission to reproduce the films in this context as an adjunct to the symposium on the Sanders Portrait of Shakespeare.
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