From BU Today: Robert Redford’s Mysterious, and Little-Known, Tie to Boston University
Photo by Cydney Scott
Upon the passing of legendary actor and director Robert Redford last week, the Howard Gotlieb Archival Research Center at BU Libraries invited BU Today to learn more about its Robert Redford collection and view the annotated scripts, promotional materials, personal sketches, and other materials he gave to the University. From BU Today:
The collection has over a dozen of Redford’s scripts, spanning films he acted in, directed, or produced, includingBarefoot in the Park,All The President’s Men,The Candidate, andA River Runs Through It. In several cases, Redford even annotated the pages, offering a rare insight into his creative process. The collection also features promotional materials—some signed—like film posters, lobby cards, press kits, and photos, as well as his personal sketch book, which includes watercolors, pastels,and pen and ink drawings.
Jennifer King, associate university librarian for academic engagement and special collections, oversees HGARC and all other Special Collections. While the Redford collection is modest in size, King describes it as a wonderful collection that offers a glimpse into the actor’s early career. “It’s really exciting to see the scripts that Robert Redford performed,” she says, “and you can see, in some cases, some of his notes and get a sense of how he created the role that was envisioned on the page.”
While the BU Libraries hold just a small slice Robert Redford’s enduring work and legacy, this collection offer a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes work that went into many iconic films and provides the BU community an opportunity to meaningfully engage with his work.
Continue reading about the collection in BU Today’s “Robert Redford’s Mysterious, and Little-Known, Tie to Boston University,” view the collection inventory, or schedule a research appointment to view the materials.