Storage unit (2021)
PHYSICAL ARCHIVES
The principal archives of Robert Pacitti’s work and related documentation.
THE THEATRE COLLECTION
UNIVERSITY OF BRISTOL
Robert’s physical archive is currently being accessioned into the Theatre Collection at the University of Bristol. This will ensure the long-term preservation of both physical and digital materials relating to his artistic and organisational work.
Founded in 1951, the Theatre Collection has grown into one of the world’s leading collections dedicated to the history of British theatre and live art. It works collaboratively to realise the potential of its collections and their creative and cultural contexts, supporting research, education, creative practice, and social engagement for diverse communities locally, nationally, and internationally. The Theatre Collection is an Accredited Museum and Accredited Archive Service, and has been designated Outstanding by Arts Council England.
Robert’s archive includes materials connected to his work as an artist, performer, director, curator, writer, musician, and collaborator. It spans early projects, Pacitti Company, SPILL Festival of Performance, the Think Tank, Rough Band activities, and, where relevant, aspects of his private life. Once catalogued, the archive will become publicly available for study and research.
SUFFOLK ARCHIVES
THE HOLD - IPSWICH
A smaller collection of Robert’s work has also been accessioned into The Hold in Ipswich, where it forms part of the Suffolk Archives. The materials held there relate specifically to life in the six counties of the East of England, and include works created by Pacitti Company for On Landguard Point and The Ipswich Biscuit, alongside materials produced by The Rough Band for its Suffolk Pyre Parades.
ON LANDGUARD POINT
205 two-dimensional symbols developed for On Landguard Point (2012), designed to represent aspects of life across the east;
A copy of A People’s Peculiar, an encyclopaedia for the East created from public contributions made across the life of On Landguard Point. Each entry relates to one of the 205 symbols;
A full set of 205 handmade silver charms, created by silversmith Victoria Constable for On Landguard Point. Made between 2010 and 2011, each charm corresponds to one of the symbols outlined above. This is one of six identical handmade sets of silver charms created by Victoria for the project;
205 large black flags created for On Landguard Point, each stitched with a black and yellow printed panel showing one of the 205 symbols described above. The flags were raised at Landguard Point in Felixstowe as part of the film On Landguard Point. They were also raised across a two day durational installation at Latitude Festival in 2012, accompanied by a public reading of A People’s Peculiar.
IPSWICH BISCUIT
A sculpted wearable biscuit tabard, made of synthetic suede, padding and stitching over a rigid hooped interior. Created as a promotional item and consisting of two large padded material discs, each stitched with the words ‘Ipswich’ and made to look like biscuits. These sit over the wearer’s front and back, held in place by shoulder straps.
PYRE PARADES
A large black flag, painted on both sides with a Black Shuck in white paint, created by local artist Dan Thomas and used as a hand held emblem flag during all parades to date;
A small black cloak made by Robert Pacitti from a slashed black flag with white seam at the collar, adorned with small metal bells, worn by a child during parades;
A small red fabric brooch, made by artist Giovanni Maria Casetta, used by children in the parades to fasten their cloaks;
A black painted wooden spoon decorated by Robert Pacitti with white painted designs, made during parade skills workshops and used to bang pans noisily during parades;
A two-dimensional wooden rook, painted black and nailed to a black wooden broom handle, used as a handheld emblem during parades;
2 black, white and gold painted wooden broom handles, covered with nails and metal bottle caps, used as a hand held noise making banging sticks during parades;
Pyre Parade descriptive text on foam board, originally displayed at The Hold in 2021 where it informed members of the public how to share their written bad news to the project;
Pyre ParadeDeath Walker’s original ceremonial red rope;
Pyre ParadeDeath Walker’s handmade red sash;
Pyre Parade bad news writing kit