OPENING THE BOX

The Royal Academy of Dance’s G.B.L.Wilson collection

For the first time in 50 years we are able to bring you, courtesy of the Royal Academy of Dance, an intimate and fascinating record of the ballet world by G.B.L. Wilson.

A keen photographer since childhood, Wilson began photographing ballet in 1941. His commitment to ballet was secured when he befriended the young Beryl Grey and it was through her that he was introduced to key figures in the ballet world such as Arnold Haskell, Ninette de Valois and Marie Rambert. This is just the beginning of the archive so keep checking our website for more photographic treasures over the coming months. In addition to the images we also show a letter from Dame Beryl Grey and a biography on G.B.L. Wilson prepared by the Royal Academy of Dance.

Dame Beryl Grey letter and images

G.B.L. Wilson biography and images

Royal Academy of Dance Archive

We will be scanning and uploading this collection on a regular basis so keep checking it out.