HSLC and Backstage Heritage Collection Strengthen Collaborative Partnership

The Historic Stage Lighting Collective (HSLC) is pleased to confirm that a formal collaborative agreement is now in place with the Backstage Heritage Collection (BHC), led by Jon Primrose.

The agreement establishes a clear framework for collaboration between the two organisations, recognising their complementary roles in preserving and promoting historic theatre technology.

HSLC continues to focus on the stewardship, conservation, and demonstration of physical historic equipment, while BHC develops and manages digital interpretation through the Theatrecrafts platform, a widely recognised and respected resource within the theatre industry.

Both organisations remain fully independent and self-governing, with the agreement strengthening an already established working relationship and supporting shared aims in preservation, research, public engagement, and long-term heritage stewardship.

This development also builds on recent progress involving HSLC taking stewardship responsibility for the existing historic display at White Light, following its earlier establishment by BHC and White Light.

As part of the continuing relationship between the organisations, Jon Primrose has also accepted an invitation to join HSLC’s Executive Committee as a co-opted trustee — the first appointment of its kind within the organisation’s developing governance structure.

HSLC looks forward to continuing this collaborative relationship as both organisations develop their respective roles within the wider theatre and technical heritage community.

“We’re delighted to formalise and strengthen what has already become a very positive working relationship between HSLC and the Backstage Heritage Collection. The relationship brings together two complementary areas of expertise; HSLC’s focus on the stewardship and demonstration of physical historic equipment, alongside BHC’s important work in digital interpretation and theatre heritage through Theatrecrafts. This agreement helps provide a clear and constructive framework for future collaboration.”
— Ian Lewis, Chair, Historic Stage Lighting Collective

Published 23 April 2026

HSLC Confirms Hosting and Display Agreement with White Light

The Historic Stage Lighting Collective (HSLC) is pleased to confirm the formalisation of a Hosting and Collaborative Display Agreement with White Light, a d&b solutions company, relating to the display of historic stage-lighting artefacts at White Light’s Wimbledon (SW19) premises.

This follows the recent signing of a Title Transfer from the Backstage Heritage Collection (BHC), through which ownership of the display artefacts was formally transferred to HSLC.

BHC has played an important role in documenting and presenting aspects of theatre technology history, including its widely used Theatrecrafts platform. The Title Transfer establishes HSLC’s responsibility for the longterm stewardship, care, and curatorial oversight of the physical artefacts, within a structured governance and collections management framework.

White Light’s support has been important in enabling the display to remain accessible within a respected industry setting. By providing space for the collection and supporting opportunities for engagement, White Light has helped create a valuable environment in which historic equipment can be seen in dialogue with contemporary professional practice. HSLC is pleased to acknowledge that support while retaining responsibility for the stewardship and insurance of its collection within the display.

Under the Hosting and Collaborative Display Agreement:

• HSLC retains ownership and curatorial responsibility for the transferred artefacts.

• White Light continues to host the display at its Wimbledon premises.

• White Light retains ownership of its own historic display equipment, which remains alongside the collection.

The arrangement provides a clear and stable structure for stewardship while ensuring the collection remains visible within White Light’s active working environment, creating continuity between historic practice and contemporary production.

HSLC and BHC are continuing discussions toward a structured collaborative partnership, recognising complementary roles in physical stewardship and digital interpretation.

Ian Lewis, Chair of HSLC, said:

“We are grateful to BHC for the constructive approach that has enabled us to clarify ownership and establish a stable framework for the display.

Formalising the hosting arrangement with White Light ensures the artefacts are stewarded within a clear and accountable structure, while remaining visible within an active professional environment. We look forward to continuing collaborative discussions that support both physical preservation and digital interpretation.”

Further updates regarding display development and partnership arrangements will be shared in due course.

Published 26 February 2026
Photo: HSLC, 2026