Richardson archives bought for nation

Papers and correspondence of Sir Ralph Richardson have been bought for the nation by the British Library, it was announced today.

The library already holds archives from his fellow acting knights, Lord Olivier and Sir John Gielgud.

Much of the Richardson material is made up of his letters, including those to his son Charles and a set of love letters to Lady Richardson.

Correspondence with Sir Alec Guinness also features, as do drafts of speeches and his sketchbooks. There are two boxes of photographs and his flying log book which describes his time as a pilot in the Fleet Air Arm. Richardson, who died in 1983, was renowned for his performance as Sir John Falstaff and the archive includes his working editions of Henry IV with notes.

Kathryn Johnson, curator of modern drama collections at the library, said: "In combination with the Gielgud and Olivier papers this acquisition offers a research treasure trove second to none."

It was bought from the Ralph And Meriel Richardson Foundation, established by Lady Richardson to assist actors and actresses who have fallen on tough times.

Material from the Richardson, Gielgud and Olivier archives is on display at the library until 25 May.