BFI National Film & Television Archive

The British Film Institute will be opening the doors to the John Paul Getty Jnr Conservation Centre for another year, providing rare access to the specialist skills, technology and stores which support the conservation and restoration of the BFI National Collection.

Inside the Archive, you will see technical demonstrations and displays detailing Special Collections (paper and film ephemera) video, television, sound and film preservation plus be able to tour one of the huge film vaults storing some of the film collection. There will be talks from our Curatorial Team as well as collections exhibitions celebrating this year's theme of Routes, Networks, Connections. The BFI Reuben Library team will have a display showcasing some of the treasures from the library as well as an opportunity to learn more (and have a play!) with BFI Replay - a free-to-access digital archive exclusively available in UK public libraries.

Curators and archivists from the BFI's current strategic Lottery funded project, Our Screen Heritage, will be on site with demos and workshops. This new programme is working to bring new forms of contemporary online and digital filmmaking into the UK’s national collection of film and moving image so you can meet the team and see how you can get involved.

Our friends from the Hospice of St Francis will be providing refreshments on both days so you can relax with tea and cake after your visit.

Please below for booking information on BSL and Touch Tours.

Timings & Tours

Sunday 08 September:

10:30 - 16:00 (link for tickets below)

Sunday 15 September:

10:30 - 16:00 (link for tickets below)

Location & directions

Kingshill Way, Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, HP4 3TP

Directions:

Satellite navigation systems can take vehicles to a residential address at the top of Kings Road, Berkhamsted. Should this happen, continue to the top of Kings Road and turn left at the crossroads. The BFI National Archive is just on the right-hand side.

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking required

Booking conditions:

Visitors are required to book their place and you can arrive any time within your selected hour. Some of the talks will need to be pre-booked and a link will be sent when you have secured your place. Please note that due to space restrictions, visitors may not be able to see all talks and demos. Every effort will be made on the day to accommodate as many people as possible. Follow #insidethearchive on BFI social media for more information

Booking website:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/967658571837?aff=oddtdtcreator (Sunday 8th September)

Alternative booking website:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/978309037667?aff=oddtdtcreator (Sunday 15th September)

Accessibility details

Children are very welcome - parents will be asked to store prams near the entrance due to limited space in certain areas of the building. We are pleased to offer two accessible tours of a selection of the Heritage Open Day display. A BSL interpreted tour will take place on Sunday 8th September and an Audio Described / Touch Tour will take place on Sunday 15th September. BSL Tour link: https://tinyurl.com/4xhasyz6 AD/Touch Tour link: https://tinyurl.com/nhj3dpmt

Additional information

Max no of people per tour:

100

Est. tour duration:

2 hour(s) 30 minute(s)

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