The collection represents a historical review of lighting companies and reveals developments in technology and design processes from the 1950s to the modern day. The collection also includes plans and technical information on a number of theatre spaces, original colour swatch books, lighting stencils and even an original cardboard colour frame.
The collection is being shared between three organisations: The V&A Museum, London, The Association of Lighting Designers (ALD) and the Association of British Theatre Technicians (ABTT).
Watts says: "I am pleased that my collection has gone to the three organisations. This will enable a wide range of interested people to gain access to the collection and use it for historical research. Now, people can access it if they want to, rather than it being hidden away in my garage."
Dr Beverley Hart of the V&A comments: "The Department of Theatre & Performance at the V&A documents all aspects of the history and practice of the performing arts in the UK. Given the challenges of collecting and displaying stage technology itself, published and archival material relating to advances in stage lighting allows the museum to cover this area for future historians of theatre practice, and acknowledges the designers and technicians who make theatre happen.
We are grateful to Chris Watts for gifting his collection to the museum and consider this to be a collection of great value"
