This site is a web
resource intended for theatre studies students and researchers and will
develop to provide a broad range of material covering the life and work
of Richard Negri, the eminent theatre designer and influential teacher
whose vision propelled the extraordinary Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester
into existence in 1976. The site also aims to offer a particular insight
into aspects of the development of theatre design professional practice
during the second half of the twentieth century.
The research, by David Burrows, Head of the Theatre School at Wimbledon
College of Art, is being assisted by a series of interviews with former
colleagues of Negri coordinated and conducted by Lydia O'Ryan on behalf
of the National Life Stories project at the British Library. Audio clips
have already been uploaded of selected moments from these interviews
with the writer Ronald Harwood (which was completed
in November 2005), close collaborator George Hall (musician,
composer and teacher interviewed on February 24th 2006), and Richard
Pilbrow (distinguished lighting designer and Chairman Emeritus
of Theatre Projects Ltd.).
The actor Bernard
Cribbins (actor and assistant stage manager at Oldham Repertory
Theatre and for the Piccolo Theatre Company from 1952 to 1954), was
interviewed shortly before Christmas 2006 and material from that interview
has now been uploaded. The final interview of this series, with the
director Frank Dunlop (co-producer with Negri of the
Piccolo Theatre in 1954), took place on February 2nd 2007, clips from
which are now being gradually uploaded.
Supplementary material from interviews conducted by David Burrows continue
to enhance the site, most notably and most recently with the designer
Johanna Bryant and the actress Avril Elgar
who shared their memories of Negri in November 2007.
(Go to the interviews page)

Negri in discussion with Orson Welles, working as his
assistant, in the rehearsal room for
'Lady in the Ice', a Roland Petit Company ballet for the Stoll Theatre
in1952,
Negri's
family, principally his sister and children, are also supporting the
project by offering full access to the archive of surviving designs
and photographs as well as providing personal recollections and insights
into Negri's life and work. Additional insight is also contained in
clips from interviews with members of Negri's family to be found on
the Biography page.
Feedback
Anyone with any further information, recollections or insight about
Richard Negri in any context can contact the webmaster by clicking here
to access a convenient form.